Posted inCountywide, Top Stories

Col Jacksel M. Broughton, Air Force Cross: Vietnam Fighter Pilot

Despite serious aircraft malfunctions, marginal weather, and grave damage to his aircraft from an exploding surface-to-air missile, Col. Broughton placed his armament directly on target, scattering fire and debris which illuminated the target for easy acquisition by the following strike force. Disregarding the crippled condition of his aircraft, which minimized his chances for recovery to friendly territory, Colonel Broughten then willfully acted as a decoy to divert hostile aircraft approaching the strikeforce.

Posted inCountywide, Top Stories

CPL Ernesto Gomez, Navy Cross: Vietnam War Hero

Gomez, a Crew Chief aboard a CH-46 transport helicopter near the Khe Sanh Combat Base in Vietnam, left his helicopter and rushed across 25 meters of fire-swept terrain to the side of an injured Marine, then selflessly used his own body to shield his comrade from hostile fire and as enemy fire continued, took cover with the casualty in a nearby rocket crater, until both were eventually evacuated.

Verify your email

We'll send a verification code to .

Gift this article