29 May 13 MEMORANDUM From: MIDN 4/C Chris R.

Gaylor To: LT Kigin, Assistant Professor of Naval Science Via: Chain of Command Subj: HONORABLE AND COURAGEOUS ACTIONS OF LT AL BILLINGS Ref: Townley, Alvin. Fly Navy. New York. St. Martins Press, 2011. Print. 1. LT Hollywood Al Billings was a Seawolf helicopter pilot during the Vietnam war who received the Silver Star and Navy Flying Cross for his actions. The valor that he displayed on the 8th of November, 1968, earned him his Silver Star, the third highest decoration given in the Navy. LT Billings was a copilot on a two helicopter patrol near the Rung Sat Special Zone, a very dangerous part of Vietnam that was full of Vietcong soldiers. While on patrol, radio communication let them know about a pair of PBR boats full of Navy SEALs that were injured and taking heavy fire from Vietcong along the riverbanks. The area was too hot for extraction and there was no room to land the chopper for rescue. Understanding the risk, LT Billings took command of the helicopter and went to save the men on the river, despite his OICs objections. Once he gained control, Billings blasted the riverbanks with rockets to suppress Vietcong fire. Shortly after, he positioned his craft over the PBRs and landed on the bow of one with his skid. Amidst heavy fire from both banks, one of his crewmates was lowered down, picked up the SEALs under stress and brought them back to the chopper. Next, LT Billings tried to fly off, but his helicopter was too heavy and it couldnt lift off the boat. Instead of trying to make his helicopter lighter, Billings adjusted his aircraft around the boat, moved his skids in the water and moved down the river like a powerboat while being shot at from all angles. Both of the injured sailors lived and Billings was later awarded the Silver Star of great courage in the face of danger. 2. This officer is impressive because of the boldness in his actions. With full knowledge of the consequences of his actions, he disobeyed the orders of his commanding officer in order to try and save his shipmates. While switching from copilot to pilot, LT Billings was calm but assertive, fully confident in his ability to commandeer the aircraft in a stressful situation. Lastly, his resourcefulness to use the PBR as a powerboat demonstrated relentless drive to accomplish his mission, and knowledge of his surroundings and aircraft. 3. LT Billings actions in this rescue mission demonstrated physical courage. The risk in this operation was great, but it ended without fatalities. For moral courage, LT Billings understood the consequences of insubordination, but felt a greater obligation to the lives of his shipmates. This exemplifies honor because he is feeling a moral force to not leave any men behind. Maneuvering the helicopter about the PBR demonstrated Billings full commitment to the rescue mission and the SEALs. When the equipment couldnt handle the situation, he adapted his equipment to be successful. LT Billings was awarded the Silver Star for his honor, undaunted courage and steadfast commitment when his men needed him the most.

C. R. GAYLOR MIDN 4/C