WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:01.662 - [Voiceover] Lieutenant Colonel Kettles 00:01.662 --> 00:03.245 was awarded our nations highest 00:03.245 --> 00:05.631 and most prestigious award for valor by the president 00:05.631 --> 00:09.048 of the United States, the Medal of Honor. 00:09.223 --> 00:11.188 This morning he will be formally inducted 00:11.188 --> 00:13.286 into the Pentagons most sacred place, 00:13.286 --> 00:14.869 The Hall Of Heroes. 00:15.194 --> 00:17.042 Our host for today's ceremony are, 00:17.042 --> 00:20.600 the Secretary of Defense, the honorable Ashton B. Carter, 00:20.600 --> 00:24.476 the Secretary of the Army, the honorable Eric K. Fanning, 00:24.476 --> 00:26.326 the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, 00:26.326 --> 00:28.326 General Danial B. Allen, 00:28.346 --> 00:32.513 and the Sergeant Major of the Army, Danial A. Dailey. 00:33.462 --> 00:35.443 Ladies and gentlemen please stand for the arrival 00:35.443 --> 00:37.813 of the official party and remain standing for the singing 00:37.813 --> 00:41.150 of our National Anthem, by Staff Sergeant Matthew Smith, 00:41.150 --> 00:45.317 and the induction delivered by Chaplin Paul Hurley. 01:09.393 --> 01:12.476 ♫ Oh say can you see 01:13.871 --> 01:17.454 ♫ By the dawns early light 01:17.675 --> 01:21.175 ♫ What so proudly we hail 01:22.119 --> 01:26.179 ♫ At the twilight's last gleaming 01:26.179 --> 01:30.346 ♫ Whose broad stripes and bright stars 01:31.220 --> 01:34.887 ♫ Though the perilous fight 01:35.016 --> 01:38.766 ♫ By the ramparts we watched 01:39.425 --> 01:43.258 ♫ Were so gallantly streaming 01:44.345 --> 01:48.012 ♫ And the rockets red glare 01:48.746 --> 01:52.413 ♫ The bombs bursting in air 01:53.025 --> 01:56.942 ♫ Gave proof through the night 01:57.303 --> 02:01.303 ♫ That our flag was still there 02:03.567 --> 02:07.650 ♫ Oh say does that star spangled 02:08.232 --> 02:11.065 ♫ Banner yet wave 02:13.189 --> 02:16.856 ♫ O'er the land of the free 02:18.588 --> 02:22.755 ♫ And the home of the brave ♫ 02:33.422 --> 02:34.589 - Let us pray. 02:36.487 --> 02:40.320 Lord, God, source of strength to the faithful, 02:42.120 --> 02:45.692 source of hope to those to fulfill their oath, 02:45.692 --> 02:48.442 to never leave the fallen behind. 02:48.527 --> 02:50.944 Be with us now as we remember 02:51.288 --> 02:55.455 the heroic actions of Lieuntenant Colonel Charles Kettles 02:55.745 --> 02:59.412 continue to bestow courage, to our soldiers, 03:00.372 --> 03:02.455 families, and our nation. 03:03.179 --> 03:05.512 Strengthen our hearts today, 03:05.828 --> 03:09.995 and may Lieuntenant Colonel Kettles sacrificial example 03:10.182 --> 03:13.849 keep us mindful always of our sacred calling 03:14.593 --> 03:18.760 to serve our brothers, and sisters, our Army, our nation. 03:20.212 --> 03:24.212 Make his commitment to duty a part of our hearts 03:25.259 --> 03:29.317 and renew a calling, our calling to protect and defend 03:29.317 --> 03:33.484 the freedoms that you given and the liberties we enjoy. 03:35.002 --> 03:38.835 I pray all these in your most holy name, amen. 03:40.309 --> 03:42.892 - [Voiceover] Please be seated. 03:45.531 --> 03:49.364 Ladies and gentlemen the Secretary of Defense. 03:50.651 --> 03:52.901 (applause) 04:02.673 --> 04:06.423 - Deputy Secretary Work, Vice Chairman Salva, 04:06.667 --> 04:09.667 General Allen, family and friends of 04:09.696 --> 04:12.029 Lieuntenant Colonel Kettles, 04:12.693 --> 04:15.582 thank you, thank you all for joining us today. 04:15.582 --> 04:18.941 I particularity want to welcome his wife Ann, 04:18.941 --> 04:23.108 son Michael, daughter Kathy, brother in law Patrick, 04:23.581 --> 04:27.748 nephew Michael, we are all so proud to have you here. 04:29.510 --> 04:33.427 We gather today here to honor an American hero. 04:35.207 --> 04:37.169 Though like the three other Medal of Honor recipiants 04:37.169 --> 04:39.459 who honor us with their presence today, 04:39.459 --> 04:42.209 he would resist that description. 04:42.890 --> 04:46.557 In fact for nearly 50 years he stayed quiet. 04:46.826 --> 04:49.621 Content to allow his remarkable story to reside 04:49.621 --> 04:52.297 mainly in the memories of fellow soldiers 04:52.297 --> 04:55.047 like Roland Check and Dewey Smith 04:55.163 --> 04:56.993 who are here with him today. 04:56.993 --> 04:57.993 Thanks guys. 04:59.163 --> 05:02.147 It would have stayed that way if his wife Ann, 05:02.147 --> 05:05.849 hadn't prompted him to tell the story to William Vellano, 05:05.849 --> 05:08.383 a dedicated volunteer with the Library of Congress 05:08.383 --> 05:10.466 Veterans History Project, 05:10.731 --> 05:13.296 whose helping preserve and pass on these 05:13.296 --> 05:16.629 vital stories for generations to follow. 05:16.985 --> 05:19.420 Even after some prompting Lieuntenant Colonel Kettles 05:19.420 --> 05:21.170 down played his role, 05:21.533 --> 05:25.518 talking up instead the heroism of his fellow soldiers 05:25.518 --> 05:29.685 and the technical capabilities of the H1 Huey he flew 05:30.364 --> 05:31.892 in a new kind of war, 05:31.892 --> 05:34.507 and by the way he still loves and he just flew one 05:34.507 --> 05:36.340 a couple of weeks ago. 05:38.048 --> 05:39.833 Like so many of our veterans, 05:39.833 --> 05:42.984 he was content to know he had done his job. 05:42.984 --> 05:45.349 He served his country and he looked out 05:45.349 --> 05:48.597 for his fellow soldiers, but when this remarkable story 05:48.597 --> 05:51.614 was brought to my attention last August, 05:51.614 --> 05:54.158 I agreed that it was important to properly recognize 05:54.158 --> 05:56.951 his actions and asked Congress to pass 05:56.951 --> 06:00.951 special legislation allowing this belated honor. 06:02.275 --> 06:04.245 Thanks to the efforts of Representative Dingle, 06:04.245 --> 06:08.078 Senator Stabenow, Peters, and Chairman Rogers, 06:08.478 --> 06:11.009 President Obama was able to present our nations highest 06:11.009 --> 06:15.176 military honor to Lieuntenant Colonel Kettles yesterday 06:15.529 --> 06:17.013 in the White House. 06:17.013 --> 06:20.491 Today its our profound honor to add his name 06:20.491 --> 06:24.658 to the wall in the Hall of Heroes here in the Pentagon. 06:25.789 --> 06:28.200 First I wanna talk about a different wall 06:28.200 --> 06:32.367 just over the river down town, across the Potomac. 06:32.392 --> 06:35.975 There as you all know are over 58,000 names 06:37.229 --> 06:41.396 inscribed in black granite on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. 06:41.689 --> 06:43.436 Every name represents a great loss for 06:43.436 --> 06:45.436 a family and our nation, 06:46.355 --> 06:48.238 but as President Obama noted yesterday, 06:48.238 --> 06:51.145 because of the valor of then Major Kettles and his crew 06:51.145 --> 06:54.145 on May 15th 1967, there are 44 names 06:55.198 --> 06:57.281 that are not on the wall. 06:58.097 --> 07:00.402 Just think about what that means. 07:00.402 --> 07:02.236 How many Thanksgivings tables have had 07:02.236 --> 07:05.917 an extra chair through the years because of his actions. 07:05.917 --> 07:08.647 How many weddings, childbirths, and graduations 07:08.647 --> 07:11.918 were made possible because Major Kettles and his crew 07:11.918 --> 07:16.001 returned again and again to the hot landing zone, 07:16.662 --> 07:18.412 Song Ja Go river bed. 07:20.086 --> 07:23.060 We can only wonder, just as we can only wonder 07:23.060 --> 07:26.402 what must have gone through Major Kettles mind 07:26.402 --> 07:29.092 the first time he approached the landing zone, 07:29.092 --> 07:32.534 and saw an entrenched enemy in battalion force 07:32.534 --> 07:36.701 intensely firing upon outnumbered American troops below. 07:37.505 --> 07:39.905 We know in the face of all that he landed, 07:39.905 --> 07:43.116 and we know he stayed under enemy fire long enough 07:43.116 --> 07:45.674 to off load reinforcements and supplies, 07:45.674 --> 07:47.924 and to take on the wounded. 07:48.596 --> 07:50.765 We may never fully comprehend what must have 07:50.765 --> 07:53.195 gone through Major Kettles mind next 07:53.195 --> 07:56.308 as he piloted his damaged helicopter back to base, 07:56.308 --> 07:58.725 full of holes , leaking fuel, 07:59.145 --> 08:01.777 but we know he made it, saving all on board, 08:01.777 --> 08:04.694 and then he jumped to another Huey. 08:06.009 --> 08:08.258 We can only imagine then what must have gone through 08:08.258 --> 08:11.262 Major Kettles mind as he returned to the landing zone, 08:11.262 --> 08:14.382 fully aware now of what he would face, 08:14.382 --> 08:17.210 but we know he led six helicopters in 08:17.210 --> 08:19.377 exposed to withering fire, 08:20.041 --> 08:22.874 to exfiltrate the embattled force. 08:23.955 --> 08:26.822 Then we can only guess what went through Major Kettles mind 08:26.822 --> 08:30.989 as he made the defining decision to double back yet again. 08:32.596 --> 08:35.633 This time for the eight soldiers who remained pinned down 08:35.633 --> 08:38.966 on the ground and under continuous fire. 08:39.028 --> 08:43.195 Surely he must have known that as the only aircraft landing 08:43.316 --> 08:47.149 he would take all the fire, and he surely knew 08:47.691 --> 08:50.974 that without any air support, his odds of successfully 08:50.974 --> 08:53.474 taking off again weren't good. 08:53.967 --> 08:57.505 But we know in the face of those odds he did land. 08:57.505 --> 09:00.007 We know he retrieved the squad. 09:00.007 --> 09:01.977 We know that despite being hit by a mortar round 09:01.977 --> 09:05.049 and machine gun fire damaging his tail boon 09:05.049 --> 09:06.504 and his main rotor blade, 09:06.504 --> 09:09.497 shattering both front windshield and the chin bubble 09:09.497 --> 09:13.664 he still got into the air and back to safety once again. 09:14.850 --> 09:17.579 No we can't fully know what went through the mind 09:17.579 --> 09:20.390 of Major Charles Kettles that day, 09:20.390 --> 09:22.973 but we know what motivated him. 09:23.257 --> 09:26.178 We see it in the names on the walls of this very room. 09:26.178 --> 09:28.056 We can feel it, one that has always motivated 09:28.056 --> 09:30.046 the men and women of our military, 09:30.046 --> 09:31.796 duty, honor, country, 09:34.264 --> 09:38.288 and the deeply held conviction we will never ever 09:38.288 --> 09:42.455 leave a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine behind. 09:43.951 --> 09:45.563 For many American service members in harms way, 09:45.563 --> 09:48.475 the first indication they would see their family again 09:48.475 --> 09:52.642 was the sound of helicopter blades beating against the sky. 09:53.875 --> 09:57.241 With out the valor of the helicopter pilots in Vietnam 09:57.241 --> 09:59.267 countless additional names would have been added 09:59.267 --> 10:01.684 to the wall across the river. 10:02.571 --> 10:05.846 With out the pilots and crews that continued the watch, 10:05.846 --> 10:08.607 continue to watch today in Black Hawks, and Ospreys, 10:08.607 --> 10:12.138 Chinooks, Lakotas, and Pay Fox, Super Stalliones, Cobras, 10:12.138 --> 10:16.305 Apaches and more, over Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, 10:16.579 --> 10:18.447 many more would have been lost 10:18.447 --> 10:20.947 over the past 15 years of war. 10:22.267 --> 10:25.385 Today as we honor Lieuntenant Colonel Kettles, 10:25.385 --> 10:27.683 we honor the many other pilots and crews 10:27.683 --> 10:28.840 who have taken great risks 10:28.840 --> 10:31.112 and who made great sacrifices 10:31.112 --> 10:33.566 to support the war fighter on the ground 10:33.566 --> 10:35.816 and bring them safely home. 10:35.976 --> 10:37.580 If you were to walk from this auditorium 10:37.580 --> 10:39.747 up the stairs to my office 10:39.949 --> 10:41.060 you'd see a large painting 10:41.060 --> 10:44.249 featuring a line from the book of Isiah 10:44.249 --> 10:47.521 that well describes the man we honor today. 10:47.521 --> 10:51.688 Whom shall I send and who will go for us the line goes. 10:52.486 --> 10:56.319 Here I am send me, Lieuntenant Colonel Kettles 10:57.405 --> 11:01.572 you never hesitated to answer send me when the call came. 11:02.777 --> 11:04.799 Whether it was serving active duty tours 11:04.799 --> 11:07.239 in Korea, Japan, and Thailand, 11:07.239 --> 11:09.833 or returning from civilian life as a citizen soldier 11:09.833 --> 11:12.750 to serve multiple tours in Vietnam, 11:12.800 --> 11:15.477 or to explain conspicuous gallantry 11:15.477 --> 11:17.560 in the face of enemy fire 11:17.629 --> 11:20.212 in the river bed of Song Ja Go. 11:21.030 --> 11:24.280 On behalf of the families of the 44 men 11:25.166 --> 11:27.249 you helped save that day, 11:27.336 --> 11:28.767 on behalf of the men and women 11:28.767 --> 11:30.852 of this Department of Defense, 11:30.852 --> 11:33.143 on behalf of a deeply grateful nation 11:33.143 --> 11:36.705 I congratulate you on this well deserved honor, 11:36.705 --> 11:38.883 and I thank you for your service 11:38.883 --> 11:40.546 to the United States of America. 11:40.546 --> 11:41.379 Thank you. 11:41.547 --> 11:43.797 (applause) 12:04.676 --> 12:05.617 - [Voiceover] Ladies and gentlemen 12:05.617 --> 12:07.784 the Secretary of the Army. 12:09.267 --> 12:11.517 (applause) 12:15.482 --> 12:18.949 - Good morning, Secretary Carter, General Allen, 12:18.949 --> 12:20.564 Senior Leaders of the department, 12:20.564 --> 12:24.113 civilian and military, Medal of Honor recipients, 12:24.113 --> 12:26.599 and especially to Lieuntenant Colonel Kettles, 12:26.599 --> 12:28.516 his family and friends, 12:28.856 --> 12:31.010 it's an honor to be with you. 12:31.010 --> 12:33.431 Our admiration for Lieutenant Colonel Kettles 12:33.431 --> 12:36.014 comes from his acts of heroism, 12:36.020 --> 12:38.876 but also form his quiet professionalism. 12:38.876 --> 12:41.614 From how on the day of his greatest testing 12:41.614 --> 12:43.564 just as with all other days 12:43.564 --> 12:45.995 he embodied the Army's values, 12:45.995 --> 12:49.412 loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, 12:50.115 --> 12:53.365 honor, integrity, and personal courage. 12:53.998 --> 12:55.848 I need to be honest upfront, 12:55.848 --> 12:59.276 behind my appreciation for Lieutenant Colonel Kettles 12:59.276 --> 13:01.466 there's also some home state pride. 13:01.466 --> 13:03.633 He's a fellow Michigander. 13:04.236 --> 13:06.377 So when I heard that Lieutenant Colonel Kettles 13:06.377 --> 13:08.866 and his family drove themselves to Washington, 13:08.866 --> 13:11.072 and in a vehicle he custom designed 13:11.072 --> 13:12.938 for his beloved wife Ann, 13:12.938 --> 13:16.104 and when I heard later that he asked the secret service 13:16.104 --> 13:17.910 if he could wheel right up to the White House 13:17.910 --> 13:19.549 for yesterdays ceremony, 13:19.549 --> 13:22.315 I thought to myself that's pure Michigan. 13:22.315 --> 13:24.565 (laughter) 13:25.724 --> 13:27.328 We've seen this Midwestern... 13:27.328 --> 13:29.578 (applause) 13:34.116 --> 13:37.144 We've seen this Midwestern manner of humility and humor 13:37.144 --> 13:39.013 throughout this process, 13:39.013 --> 13:41.033 starting when we first reached out to him. 13:41.033 --> 13:43.503 When we asked how he would like to be addressed 13:43.503 --> 13:45.372 he said you can call me anything you'd like 13:45.372 --> 13:48.289 just don't call me late for dinner. 13:49.019 --> 13:51.686 Eight of Chuck and Ann's 10 children are here today 13:51.686 --> 13:53.873 and I wanna thank them for being with us, 13:53.873 --> 13:56.690 and for not laughing at the lines you've probably heard 13:56.690 --> 13:57.690 a 100 times. 13:58.622 --> 13:59.636 If you grow up in Michigan 13:59.636 --> 14:02.699 chances are you spent some time with machines. 14:02.699 --> 14:05.187 For Chuck Kettles that meant a love affair for engines 14:05.187 --> 14:08.549 and aviation from the very start of his life. 14:08.549 --> 14:11.318 From his education at Edison Institute in Deerborn 14:11.318 --> 14:13.627 where he practiced on a flight simulator, 14:13.627 --> 14:15.218 to his work with cars and engines 14:15.218 --> 14:17.135 at his Ford dealership, 14:17.205 --> 14:20.678 we some of what prepared him to be an Army aviator. 14:20.678 --> 14:22.142 The Huey that Chuck flew was 14:22.142 --> 14:24.892 a pioneering machine at the time, 14:25.059 --> 14:27.924 but he knew instinctively how to get the most out of it. 14:27.924 --> 14:29.981 So while the deeds we honor today 14:29.981 --> 14:33.215 are the products of great courage and valor, 14:33.215 --> 14:35.282 they had there roots in what he learned 14:35.282 --> 14:36.897 growing up in Michigan. 14:36.897 --> 14:39.210 Chuck was highly skilled and well prepared 14:39.210 --> 14:40.422 to fly into danger. 14:40.422 --> 14:44.589 What he achieved on May 15th 1967 was not predestined. 14:45.249 --> 14:49.416 His heroic actions were the result of individual decisions 14:49.570 --> 14:51.629 he made on that day and every day he served 14:51.629 --> 14:53.212 as an Army officer. 14:53.565 --> 14:56.970 From the very day he volunteered to serve in Vietnam, 14:56.970 --> 14:59.918 ultimately it was because Chuck decided, 14:59.918 --> 15:02.668 not once, not two or three times, 15:03.283 --> 15:05.638 but on four separate occasions 15:05.638 --> 15:07.978 to fly directly into enemy fire 15:07.978 --> 15:10.645 that 44 American lives survived. 15:11.292 --> 15:14.044 Each time he knew it would be more dangerous, 15:14.044 --> 15:17.377 yet each time he made the same decision. 15:17.494 --> 15:20.500 Chuck had never met most of the soldiers he was rescuing. 15:20.500 --> 15:22.373 He had no idea about their backgrounds, 15:22.373 --> 15:26.540 their race, who they loved , or where they went to pray. 15:26.625 --> 15:29.936 All he knew was that they were his fellow soldiers. 15:29.936 --> 15:32.530 That they were his fellow Americans. 15:32.530 --> 15:35.448 At the back of his mind he must also have understood 15:35.448 --> 15:38.414 that for these young men to see their parents again 15:38.414 --> 15:40.322 to embrace their loved ones again, 15:40.322 --> 15:42.221 to serve their country again, 15:42.221 --> 15:45.138 it all depended on him and his crew 15:45.326 --> 15:48.332 and the decisions he would make that day. 15:48.332 --> 15:51.093 A couple of months ago Chuck went out to dinner, 15:51.093 --> 15:51.946 when a man approached him, 15:51.946 --> 15:53.685 he pointed to a table where 15:53.685 --> 15:55.873 his children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, 15:55.873 --> 15:59.867 14 people in all had gathered and he said to Chuck, 15:59.867 --> 16:01.703 you see those folks over there 16:01.703 --> 16:03.370 it's all your fault. 16:03.947 --> 16:07.216 It was an extended family of one of the dozens of men 16:07.216 --> 16:09.693 Chuck and his crew had rescued. 16:09.693 --> 16:12.319 Over the past two days, the President, 16:12.319 --> 16:14.180 the Department of Defense, and the Army 16:14.180 --> 16:17.245 have celebrated Chuck's heroic actions, 16:17.245 --> 16:19.347 but we still have no way to appreciate them 16:19.347 --> 16:20.847 in their totality, 16:21.310 --> 16:22.797 because we have no way to calculate 16:22.797 --> 16:25.449 the contributions of Chuck rescued, 16:25.449 --> 16:27.018 of the families they raised, 16:27.018 --> 16:29.935 or all of the people they inspired. 16:30.261 --> 16:32.694 We do know however, that many of the soldiers 16:32.694 --> 16:36.073 Chuck stood alongside endured a painful homecoming. 16:36.073 --> 16:38.702 For some their service was little regarded. 16:38.702 --> 16:41.525 For others they were shunned by friends and loved ones 16:41.525 --> 16:42.692 because of it. 16:42.964 --> 16:45.517 Their experience should way on all of us, 16:45.517 --> 16:47.767 and must never be repeated. 16:47.992 --> 16:49.952 In the United States, we pride ourselves 16:49.952 --> 16:51.948 on the free exchange of ideas, 16:51.948 --> 16:55.967 and robust debate about our nations security is essential, 16:55.967 --> 16:58.878 but we must not conflate our views of war 16:58.878 --> 17:01.497 with our views of our war fighters. 17:01.497 --> 17:02.752 As President Obama has said 17:02.752 --> 17:05.420 we must show all who have worn the uniform 17:05.420 --> 17:08.391 the respect and dignity they deserve, 17:08.391 --> 17:12.558 and learning about this heroic soldier from Ypsilanti 17:12.726 --> 17:16.893 we've seen patience, humility, and duty redefined. 17:17.074 --> 17:19.423 In hearing the stories of many of his brothers, 17:19.423 --> 17:22.207 members of the team in which he was so devoted, 17:22.207 --> 17:25.624 we've seen what we value most as an Army, 17:25.761 --> 17:29.594 for his part Chuck describes his deeds humbly. 17:29.826 --> 17:32.600 He volunteered for Vietnam he has said, 17:32.600 --> 17:34.157 because there was a need 17:34.157 --> 17:35.907 and I had the skills. 17:36.336 --> 17:38.009 He felt a duty to contribute 17:38.009 --> 17:41.092 because it was the right thing to do. 17:41.092 --> 17:42.560 Long after he left Vietnam, 17:42.560 --> 17:44.934 he carried those commitments forward. 17:44.934 --> 17:47.156 Those technical skills that helped 17:47.156 --> 17:48.244 save so many lives in Vietnam, 17:48.244 --> 17:51.660 he shared with generations of students in Michigan. 17:51.660 --> 17:53.948 To this day he visits local high schools, 17:53.948 --> 17:58.115 to answer questions about a war those students never knew. 17:58.580 --> 18:01.464 Lieuntenant Colonel Chuck Kettles was a consummate 18:01.464 --> 18:03.796 Army officer, but across his life 18:03.796 --> 18:06.840 he's also served as the best kind of teacher. 18:06.840 --> 18:09.100 One who instructs through his actions, 18:09.100 --> 18:12.698 through his patience, and his humble example. 18:12.698 --> 18:15.379 Yesterday and today, we've had the chance to bestow 18:15.379 --> 18:17.129 a long over do honor, 18:17.542 --> 18:19.303 but we have also had the opportunity to recall 18:19.303 --> 18:21.844 some overdo lessons as a country. 18:21.844 --> 18:24.044 We've had the chance to put the courage and valor 18:24.044 --> 18:27.187 of Chuck Kettles at the center of how we understand 18:27.187 --> 18:28.734 our history, our country, 18:28.734 --> 18:32.013 and the citizens who serve it so proudly. 18:32.013 --> 18:34.096 For that and so much more 18:34.224 --> 18:36.552 Lieuntenant Colonel Kettles you have our deepest 18:36.552 --> 18:38.385 admiration as an Army. 18:39.319 --> 18:43.486 You have our deepest appreciation as a nation, thank you. 18:43.636 --> 18:45.886 (applause) 19:02.521 --> 19:03.472 - [Voiceover] Ladies and gentlemen, 19:03.472 --> 19:06.472 the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. 19:12.677 --> 19:15.966 - Secretary Carter, Secretary Fanning, SMA Daily, 19:15.966 --> 19:20.133 Def Sec Def Work, it's an honor to have all of us here 19:20.308 --> 19:24.475 to share this incredible day with the Kettles family. 19:24.732 --> 19:27.106 I thank the extended audience for joining us 19:27.106 --> 19:29.689 to recognize our American hero. 19:30.319 --> 19:33.168 Today as we induct Lieutenant Colonel Charles Kettles 19:33.168 --> 19:35.168 into the Hall of Heroes, 19:35.539 --> 19:39.706 we are inspired by the impact of courageous leadership 19:40.121 --> 19:43.750 and the attributes exemplified by Charles Kettles 19:43.750 --> 19:46.482 that make our army and our military 19:46.482 --> 19:49.830 the greatest fighting force the world has ever known. 19:49.830 --> 19:51.840 My comments so fully complimenting those 19:51.840 --> 19:54.073 you have already heard focus on 19:54.073 --> 19:57.118 Lieutenant Colonel Kettles the soldier. 19:57.118 --> 19:59.305 The leader of character, a man who 19:59.305 --> 20:02.555 through his actions nearly 50 years ago 20:02.575 --> 20:06.658 provides timeless inspiration for warriors today. 20:07.368 --> 20:10.556 General George Patton succinctly describing 20:10.556 --> 20:13.556 a surprising but fundamental linkage 20:13.614 --> 20:17.781 stated that courage is fear holding on a minute longer. 20:19.480 --> 20:23.147 Charles Kettles exemplified this assessment. 20:23.195 --> 20:27.362 Facing a determined enemy not once, twice, or three times, 20:27.386 --> 20:31.219 but on four separate occasions on 15 May 1967. 20:33.808 --> 20:37.397 Each time as the situation became more and more precarious 20:37.397 --> 20:40.314 he controlled his incalculable fear 20:40.962 --> 20:43.317 and lead with grit and determination 20:43.317 --> 20:45.484 to accomplish the mission. 20:46.228 --> 20:50.395 He personified courage, commitment, and character, 20:51.234 --> 20:53.207 and he set an example that we pray 20:53.207 --> 20:56.290 few others will ever have to emulate. 20:57.352 --> 20:59.405 Charles Kettles the citizen soldier 20:59.405 --> 21:03.293 started his Army career from humble beginnings. 21:03.293 --> 21:05.793 A native of Ypsilanti Michigan 21:05.998 --> 21:08.063 he was born with aviation in his blood. 21:08.063 --> 21:11.051 His father was a pilot in both World War One, and 21:11.051 --> 21:12.218 World War Two. 21:12.255 --> 21:14.824 Drafted during the Korean conflict, 21:14.824 --> 21:16.963 Charles earned his commission 21:16.963 --> 21:18.741 and later attended flight school, 21:18.741 --> 21:21.576 but later returned to civilian life 21:21.576 --> 21:24.993 ready to answer a future call to service. 21:25.390 --> 21:28.570 In 1963 with the United States becoming embroiled 21:28.570 --> 21:30.737 in Vietnam that call came. 21:31.396 --> 21:35.419 The Army needed pilots so Charles volunteered to fly 21:35.419 --> 21:38.419 UH1 Deltas popularly known as Hueys. 21:40.421 --> 21:44.588 In 1967 during the height of the United States commitment, 21:44.701 --> 21:48.868 Lieuntenant Colonel then Major Kettles deployed to Vietnam. 21:49.046 --> 21:52.987 These were difficult days for United States forces. 21:52.987 --> 21:54.904 The enemy was illusive. 21:54.921 --> 21:57.171 The jungle was unforgiving. 21:57.239 --> 22:00.621 Soldiers did not enjoy nearly the level of support 22:00.621 --> 22:04.788 from the American people that we take for granted today. 22:05.341 --> 22:09.424 Colonel Kettles began 15 May like so many others, 22:10.144 --> 22:12.311 leading a platoon of eight 22:13.187 --> 22:15.462 176 Assault Helicopter company Hueys, 22:15.462 --> 22:17.379 on an ground insertion. 22:18.306 --> 22:20.806 In this case with 160 troopers 22:21.639 --> 22:24.639 of the 1st Battalion 327th infantry, 22:25.224 --> 22:29.307 so they could find, fix, and destroy enemy forces 22:29.343 --> 22:30.676 west of Duc Pho. 22:31.922 --> 22:35.250 Once on the ground these men found themselves 22:35.250 --> 22:36.558 in the fight of their lives 22:36.558 --> 22:39.244 against a force estimated at battalion strength 22:39.244 --> 22:41.327 of North Vietnamese Army. 22:42.103 --> 22:44.339 The horror of the fighting that day 22:44.339 --> 22:48.506 most accounts the intensity of fire as unbelievable, 22:49.484 --> 22:53.097 is essential in understanding and fully appreciate 22:53.097 --> 22:56.345 the amount of magnitude of Charles gallantry. 22:56.345 --> 22:59.288 The NVA using a combination of automatic weapons, 22:59.288 --> 23:02.871 machine guns, mortars, and recoiless rifles 23:03.322 --> 23:06.748 hammered the bastion soldiers from fortified positions 23:06.748 --> 23:08.581 dug into the hillside. 23:09.312 --> 23:12.945 Pinning them down and causing numerous casualties. 23:12.945 --> 23:14.897 In the face of this grim situation, 23:14.897 --> 23:18.730 the soldiers only hope was rapid reinforcement 23:19.457 --> 23:21.335 from their aviation brothers. 23:21.335 --> 23:25.002 The mission to lead reinforcements into the engagement area 23:25.002 --> 23:29.002 and evacuate the wounded fell to Charles Kettles 23:29.027 --> 23:33.194 and his outfit who when notified did not hesitate. 23:34.735 --> 23:36.235 He did not flinch. 23:36.749 --> 23:39.179 He provided decisive leadership, 23:39.179 --> 23:41.052 beginning with the insertion 23:41.052 --> 23:43.076 of the first wave of reinforcements 23:43.076 --> 23:45.837 in the midst of heavy suppressive fire, 23:45.837 --> 23:49.337 because he knew that any delay on his part 23:49.572 --> 23:53.739 would imperil those fighting for their lives on the ground. 23:54.857 --> 23:57.804 As the helicopters approached the enemy opened up 23:57.804 --> 23:59.324 with the intensity of fire 23:59.324 --> 24:02.157 surpassing any experienced before. 24:02.626 --> 24:04.816 Soldiers were being hit and killed 24:04.816 --> 24:07.486 before they could leave the birds. 24:07.486 --> 24:10.175 Lieutenant Colonel Kettles whose own aircraft 24:10.175 --> 24:12.175 was hit nearly 30 times, 24:12.437 --> 24:14.270 held his fear in check 24:14.862 --> 24:16.706 in that hell hole on earth 24:16.706 --> 24:19.956 to deliver two lists of reinforcements, 24:20.077 --> 24:23.930 evacuate the wounded, and despite incurring casualties 24:23.930 --> 24:26.061 including one to his own gunner, 24:26.061 --> 24:28.978 he overcame seemingly inhuman odds, 24:29.269 --> 24:31.436 to accomplish the mission. 24:32.091 --> 24:34.725 Later in the day, when the ground force commander 24:34.725 --> 24:38.359 requested exfiltration of the remaining 44 troopers, 24:38.359 --> 24:42.109 Charles Kettles again selflessly volunteered, 24:43.011 --> 24:45.948 and put himself in harms way a third time 24:45.948 --> 24:49.365 despite having only one flyable UH1 Delta 24:50.401 --> 24:51.818 left in his unit. 24:52.070 --> 24:54.708 Though he knew full well the consequences 24:54.708 --> 24:58.875 he also knew more intensely the urgency of immediate action, 25:00.643 --> 25:04.810 and his own unique qualification to lead this extraction. 25:05.296 --> 25:08.733 Charles Kettles with five aircraft from a sister unit 25:08.733 --> 25:11.112 landed amid a hornets nest of heavy 25:11.112 --> 25:13.695 NVA small arms and mortar fire. 25:13.823 --> 25:15.269 Once the troops were loaded, 25:15.269 --> 25:18.430 the pilots departed but were soon notified 25:18.430 --> 25:22.206 that eight troopers were left on the landing zone. 25:22.206 --> 25:24.289 Charles did not hesitate. 25:25.030 --> 25:26.809 He immediately broke off, 25:26.809 --> 25:29.614 past flight lead to another aircraft, 25:29.614 --> 25:32.789 and returned for a forth landing to that LZ 25:32.789 --> 25:34.706 to bring everyone home. 25:35.547 --> 25:38.505 Duey Smith, one of those remaining on the ground 25:38.505 --> 25:41.291 described the situation and I quote 25:41.291 --> 25:43.645 "We all figured we were done for. 25:43.645 --> 25:47.812 When at the end of the valley we saw one lone helicopter 25:47.955 --> 25:50.455 headed our way." end of quote. 25:50.643 --> 25:53.976 Kettles once again vanquished his fears, 25:54.111 --> 25:57.528 bouncing several hundred feet to that LZ, 25:58.523 --> 26:00.704 and he loaded the remaining soldiers 26:00.704 --> 26:02.706 as mortars pounded and tracers flashed 26:02.706 --> 26:03.623 all around. 26:04.579 --> 26:06.806 The enemy concentrated all their firepower 26:06.806 --> 26:08.139 on Kettles Huey. 26:09.569 --> 26:10.941 Smoke billowed inside. 26:10.941 --> 26:13.718 The aircraft lurched from left to right. 26:13.718 --> 26:17.468 But somehow, some way, he was bale to fly it, 26:18.564 --> 26:22.147 coax it, will it, out of that landing zone. 26:23.446 --> 26:25.950 Lieutenant Colonel Kettles demonstrated his commitment 26:25.950 --> 26:29.283 and deep seated loyalty to all those men 26:29.555 --> 26:31.305 and our entire nation 26:31.808 --> 26:33.808 by his actions that day. 26:34.222 --> 26:35.555 He did not quit. 26:36.598 --> 26:39.848 He refused to leave any soldier behind, 26:39.985 --> 26:42.561 and as you heard because of him 26:42.561 --> 26:46.262 44 names were spared from the possible etching 26:46.262 --> 26:49.053 on the Vietnam Veterans Memorable Wall 26:49.053 --> 26:50.886 here in Washington DC. 26:51.331 --> 26:52.740 Never one to take credit, 26:52.740 --> 26:56.907 Charles Kettles remains the humble man from Michigan. 26:57.249 --> 27:00.582 In his words he didn't do it by himself, 27:00.995 --> 27:04.912 there were 74 pilots and crew members involved. 27:04.946 --> 27:09.113 As he insists this honor belongs to them today as well. 27:11.042 --> 27:13.938 We pay tribute today to Charles Kettles 27:13.938 --> 27:15.916 for his inspiring valor, 27:15.916 --> 27:19.166 and in doing so we also honor those 74. 27:20.838 --> 27:24.863 Men like his co-pilot Chief Warrant Officer Ray Seacrest, 27:24.863 --> 27:27.380 his gunner Specialist Roland Check, 27:27.380 --> 27:31.547 and so many others, some of whom are present here today. 27:32.920 --> 27:36.670 But perhaps more important we also pay homage 27:37.103 --> 27:41.098 and honor to those soldiers who did not make it home. 27:41.098 --> 27:45.181 Who like American soldiers for the last 241 years 27:45.473 --> 27:48.306 have valiantly defended our nation 27:48.330 --> 27:52.497 against incalculable odds and made the ultimate sacrifice. 27:53.229 --> 27:56.172 Let this Medal of Honor be a source of strength 27:56.172 --> 27:58.219 to all of our service members 27:58.219 --> 28:01.475 who continue the work of defending this great nation 28:01.475 --> 28:05.097 so that we might be in light of freedom to the world 28:05.097 --> 28:07.514 today, tomorrow, and forever. 28:08.563 --> 28:09.849 Thank you Charles Kettles. 28:09.849 --> 28:12.349 God bless you and Army strong. 28:12.606 --> 28:14.856 (applause) 28:25.005 --> 28:27.280 - [Voiceover] Secretary Carter, Secretary Fanning, 28:27.280 --> 28:29.006 Sergeant Major of the Army Daily, 28:29.006 --> 28:30.504 and Lieutenant Colonel Kettles 28:30.504 --> 28:32.558 will now join General Allen on stage 28:32.558 --> 28:34.808 for the induction ceremony. 28:48.980 --> 28:49.945 Ladies and gentlemen 28:49.945 --> 28:53.778 please remain seated during the presentations. 28:57.521 --> 28:59.786 The President of the United States of America, 28:59.786 --> 29:01.597 authorized by act of Congress 29:01.597 --> 29:02.847 March 3rd 1863, 29:03.439 --> 29:05.326 has awarded in the name of Congress, 29:05.326 --> 29:06.997 The Medal of Honor to 29:06.997 --> 29:09.835 Major Charles S Kettles, United States Army, 29:09.835 --> 29:12.659 for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity 29:12.659 --> 29:14.999 at the risk of his life above and beyond 29:14.999 --> 29:16.416 the call of duty. 29:16.571 --> 29:18.621 Major Charles S Kettles distinguished himself 29:18.621 --> 29:20.962 by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity 29:20.962 --> 29:22.608 while serving as Flight Commander 29:22.608 --> 29:25.858 186th Aviation Company Air Mobile Light 29:26.325 --> 29:30.134 14th Combat Aviation Battalion, a miracle division 29:30.134 --> 29:32.967 among Duc Pho Republic of Vietnam. 29:33.157 --> 29:36.574 On 15 May 1967 Major Kettles on learning 29:37.299 --> 29:39.081 that an airborne infantry unit 29:39.081 --> 29:41.273 had suffered casualties during an intense firefight 29:41.273 --> 29:43.141 with the enemy immediately volunteered 29:43.141 --> 29:45.193 to lead a flight of six UH1 Delta helicopters 29:45.193 --> 29:49.003 to carry reinforcements to the embattled force, 29:49.003 --> 29:51.836 and to evacuate wounded personnel. 29:52.229 --> 29:55.357 Enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire 29:55.357 --> 29:57.816 racked the landing zone inflicting heavy damage 29:57.816 --> 29:59.006 to the helicopters, 29:59.006 --> 30:01.023 however Major Kettles refused to depart 30:01.023 --> 30:04.039 until all helicopters were loaded to capacity. 30:04.039 --> 30:06.453 He then returned to the battlefield 30:06.453 --> 30:08.836 with full knowledge of the intense enemy fire 30:08.836 --> 30:11.461 waiting his arrival to bring more reinforcements 30:11.461 --> 30:13.923 landing in the midst of enemy mortar 30:13.923 --> 30:15.403 and automatic weapon fire 30:15.403 --> 30:16.975 that seriously wounded his gunner 30:16.975 --> 30:19.747 and severely damaged his aircraft. 30:19.747 --> 30:21.611 Upon departing Major Kettles was advised 30:21.611 --> 30:22.904 by another helicopter crew 30:22.904 --> 30:25.729 that he had fuel streaming out of his aircraft. 30:25.729 --> 30:28.043 Despite the risk posed by the leaking fuel, 30:28.043 --> 30:31.223 he nursed the damaged aircraft back to base. 30:31.223 --> 30:34.042 Later that day the Infantry Battalion Commander 30:34.042 --> 30:36.612 requested immediate emergency extraction 30:36.612 --> 30:38.758 of the remaining 40 troops, 30:38.758 --> 30:40.967 including four members of Major Kettles unit, 30:40.967 --> 30:43.031 who were stranded when their helicopter was destroyed 30:43.031 --> 30:44.198 by enemy fire. 30:44.784 --> 30:47.597 With only one flyable UH1 helicopter remaining, 30:47.597 --> 30:50.039 Major Kettles volunteered to return to the deadly 30:50.039 --> 30:52.539 landing zone for a third time. 30:52.599 --> 30:54.912 Leading a flight of six evacuation helicopters, 30:54.912 --> 30:59.079 five of which were form the 161st Aviation Company. 30:59.196 --> 31:01.804 During the extraction Major Kettles was informed 31:01.804 --> 31:04.322 by the last helicopter that all personnel 31:04.322 --> 31:07.914 were onboard and departed the landing zone accordingly. 31:07.914 --> 31:10.157 Army gunships supported the evacuation 31:10.157 --> 31:12.074 also departed the area. 31:12.185 --> 31:14.156 Once airborne Major Kettles was advised 31:14.156 --> 31:15.969 that eight troops had been unable 31:15.969 --> 31:17.476 to reach the evacuation helicopters 31:17.476 --> 31:19.643 due to intense enemy fire. 31:19.990 --> 31:21.887 With complete disregard for his own safety 31:21.887 --> 31:24.887 Major Kettles passed the lead to another helicopter, 31:24.887 --> 31:26.905 and returned to the landing zone 31:26.905 --> 31:29.042 to rescue the remaining troops. 31:29.042 --> 31:32.582 With out gunship, artillery, or tactical aircraft support, 31:32.582 --> 31:36.749 the enemy concentrated all firepower on his lone aircraft. 31:36.850 --> 31:39.096 Which was immediately damaged by a mortar round 31:39.096 --> 31:40.872 that shattered both front windshields 31:40.872 --> 31:43.597 and the chin bubble, and was further racked by 31:43.597 --> 31:45.589 small arms and machine gun fire. 31:45.589 --> 31:47.164 Despite the intense enemy fire, 31:47.164 --> 31:50.634 Major Kettles maintained control of the aircraft 31:50.634 --> 31:53.747 and situation allowing time for the remaining eight soldiers 31:53.747 --> 31:55.580 to board the aircraft. 31:55.715 --> 31:57.274 In spite of the severe damage to his helicopter, 31:57.274 --> 32:00.107 Major Kettles once more skillfully 32:00.320 --> 32:03.106 guided his heavily damaged aircraft to safety. 32:03.106 --> 32:06.198 Without his courageous actions and superior flying skills 32:06.198 --> 32:08.728 the last group of soldiers and his crew 32:08.728 --> 32:11.311 would never have made it off the battlefield. 32:11.311 --> 32:13.459 Major Kettles selfless acts of repeated valor 32:13.459 --> 32:16.504 and determination are in keeping with the highest 32:16.504 --> 32:17.986 traditions of military service, 32:17.986 --> 32:19.827 and reflect great credit upon himself 32:19.827 --> 32:22.077 and the united States army. 32:28.360 --> 32:30.610 (applause) 32:44.125 --> 32:45.654 The Medal of Honor Plaque will now be 32:45.654 --> 32:48.270 unveiled inducting Lieutenant Colonel Kettles 32:48.270 --> 32:50.270 into the Hall of Heroes. 32:57.456 --> 32:59.706 (applause) 33:28.152 --> 33:29.421 At this time, ladies and gentlemen, 33:29.421 --> 33:31.750 the Medal of Honor Flag will be presented 33:31.750 --> 33:34.167 to Lieutenant Colonel Kettles 33:34.558 --> 33:38.725 on 23 October 2002 public law 107-248 section 8143. 33:40.654 --> 33:42.502 Establish the Medal of Honor Flag, 33:42.502 --> 33:44.064 to recognize service members 33:44.064 --> 33:47.427 who have distinguished themselves by gallantry in action 33:47.427 --> 33:49.748 above and beyond the call of duty. 33:49.748 --> 33:51.929 The Medal of Honor Flag commemorates the sacrifice 33:51.929 --> 33:54.108 and blood shed for our freedoms, 33:54.108 --> 33:56.477 and gives emphasis to the Medal of Honor 33:56.477 --> 33:58.503 being the highest reward for valor 33:58.503 --> 33:59.909 by an individual serving 33:59.909 --> 34:02.437 in the Armed Forces of the United States. 34:02.437 --> 34:03.749 The light blue color and gold fringe 34:03.749 --> 34:06.612 bearing 13 white stars are adapted from the 34:06.612 --> 34:08.445 Medal of Honor Ribbon. 34:10.976 --> 34:13.226 (applause) 34:28.600 --> 34:30.972 Thank you Secretary Carter, secretary Fanning, 34:30.972 --> 34:35.139 General Allen, and Sergeant Major of the Army Daily. 34:37.161 --> 34:41.328 Ladies and gentlemen, Lieuntenant Colonel Charles S Kettles. 34:45.388 --> 34:47.638 (laughter) 34:48.162 --> 34:49.412 - Good morning. 34:51.644 --> 34:53.697 Let's try that one more time. 34:53.697 --> 34:54.780 Good morning. 34:55.040 --> 34:56.916 - [Crowd] Good morning. 34:56.916 --> 34:58.916 - We're making progress. 34:59.211 --> 35:00.363 It is a good morning. 35:00.363 --> 35:02.063 We are all above ground. 35:02.063 --> 35:05.813 Each of us with another opportunity to excel. 35:06.497 --> 35:10.664 And in a position to be very grateful for this nation. 35:13.173 --> 35:17.090 Secretary of Defense, the honorable Ash Carter, 35:19.448 --> 35:23.031 Secretary of the Army, Mister Eric Fanning, 35:27.696 --> 35:31.613 Vice-Chief of Staff of the Army, General Allen, 35:35.254 --> 35:38.421 Representative of all those who do it, 35:39.945 --> 35:43.862 Daily, Sergeant Major of the army Danial Daily, 35:46.184 --> 35:50.351 members of Congress, Medal of Honor Recipients here, 35:53.590 --> 35:56.507 distinguished guests, all families, 35:59.365 --> 36:02.365 for that is the core of this nation, 36:03.951 --> 36:07.451 and friends and I include in that category 36:08.347 --> 36:11.264 everyone for as it has been said... 36:12.803 --> 36:16.803 (stammers collecting thoughts) 36:30.100 --> 36:33.683 a stranger is only a friend I have not met. 36:38.981 --> 36:43.148 Thank you for the invitation to join with you here today. 36:43.479 --> 36:46.896 I take this opportunity to focus on those 36:49.397 --> 36:51.670 that have served this nation, 36:51.670 --> 36:54.087 in that mission on 15 May 67, 37:00.044 --> 37:04.211 for which the Medal of Honor was rewarded yesterday. 37:05.924 --> 37:10.091 It is fitting that we acknowledge and share the honor 37:10.603 --> 37:13.603 with the 74 helicopter crew members, 37:13.894 --> 37:18.061 who were involved in the total mission on that date. 37:18.812 --> 37:20.395 It belongs to them. 37:21.898 --> 37:25.898 With their deep regard for their fellow soldiers 37:26.974 --> 37:29.724 minimized the losses on that day. 37:32.399 --> 37:35.302 However I first take this opportunity 37:35.302 --> 37:37.820 to acknowledge and extend my appreciation 37:37.820 --> 37:40.737 for the many who have been involved 37:41.366 --> 37:45.449 in bringing this Medal of Honor to the forefront. 37:47.593 --> 37:51.760 Some of whom are Bill Vellano, whose been mentioned before, 37:53.041 --> 37:56.458 who back in January 2012 initiated action 37:57.533 --> 38:01.033 to upgrade the Distinguished Service Cross 38:02.026 --> 38:03.859 to the Medal of Honor, 38:03.911 --> 38:07.994 through then representative John Dingle's office. 38:10.755 --> 38:14.505 Representatives John Dingle and Debbie Dingle 38:15.431 --> 38:17.431 Michigan's 12th district 38:19.269 --> 38:22.686 and they were the congressional sponsers. 38:23.626 --> 38:26.293 Debbie ran the Halls of Congress 38:26.589 --> 38:28.500 to get the necessary waiver, 38:28.500 --> 38:32.583 which was required for the five year restriction. 38:33.935 --> 38:38.102 Sharon Ves Prima with the Dermont office of Debbie Dingle, 38:39.700 --> 38:43.867 who spent endless hours ensuring this action was completed. 38:48.800 --> 38:50.967 My friend of some 54 years 38:51.236 --> 38:54.153 Major General Marvin Back, retired. 38:55.642 --> 38:59.475 General Back, back in the 50's, the late 50's, 39:00.407 --> 39:02.657 was my Detail Sergeant at a 39:02.955 --> 39:05.705 reserve unit in Lansing Michigan. 39:11.003 --> 39:13.086 He is here with us today. 39:13.632 --> 39:17.799 And those comrades here today who were directly involved 39:18.684 --> 39:21.434 in that action some 49 years ago, 39:24.886 --> 39:29.053 and to my son Mike, who with the age of the internet 39:29.492 --> 39:33.659 was able to find many of those who were directly involved, 39:35.600 --> 39:39.683 that day and reconstruct the mission as executed. 39:43.768 --> 39:47.101 Thank you for, thank you for this honor, 39:47.142 --> 39:50.642 to join those many who have gone before me 39:51.307 --> 39:53.140 in the Hall of Heroes. 39:54.169 --> 39:58.336 Two of whom were, are Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez, 40:03.904 --> 40:07.071 and Major Bill Adams I knew them both. 40:11.300 --> 40:15.467 On 15 May 1967, some of few you have heard all ready, 40:16.946 --> 40:19.696 the mission began at 09:30 hours. 40:22.230 --> 40:25.230 During four lifts, a some 160 troops 40:28.270 --> 40:30.520 were inserted into that LZ. 40:32.766 --> 40:35.728 It lasted well into the evening hours, 40:35.728 --> 40:39.264 at which time the Battalion Commander requested 40:39.264 --> 40:41.896 emergency extraction of what remained 40:41.896 --> 40:43.313 which was 44 men. 40:47.113 --> 40:48.780 That was successful, 40:51.518 --> 40:54.935 but what will remain of utmost importance 40:57.253 --> 41:00.836 above all else is those names do not appear 41:05.462 --> 41:07.795 on the wall down the street. 41:10.486 --> 41:13.569 Each crew member of those helicopters 41:13.982 --> 41:16.565 did their duty , and then some. 41:19.545 --> 41:22.712 Together that day, the values and bond 41:23.146 --> 41:25.563 that each soldier understands 41:30.412 --> 41:33.495 we will not leave any soldier behind. 41:36.890 --> 41:40.307 Your award can only be worn by one person 41:41.424 --> 41:44.424 however it represents the collective 41:45.436 --> 41:48.603 heroism and sacrifice of all those men 41:51.213 --> 41:55.213 that were involved in that operation on that day 41:55.336 --> 41:57.669 in that Song Su Kong Valley. 41:59.888 --> 42:03.305 Their were two other men who were awarded 42:03.613 --> 42:07.780 the Distinguished Service Cross for that action that day. 42:09.116 --> 42:13.283 Leon Westle, the Forward Observer Field Artillery, 42:15.047 --> 42:17.964 Lonnie Butts the Tiger Force Medic, 42:19.945 --> 42:23.278 Unfortunately Lonnie Butts lost his life 42:24.918 --> 42:27.335 in the service to our country 42:27.558 --> 42:30.308 and his fellow soldiers that day. 42:33.030 --> 42:36.030 Today we have a few of those that served 42:36.030 --> 42:38.697 directly that day in the battle. 42:39.522 --> 42:43.689 They however represent the entire group of soldiers. 42:44.505 --> 42:48.672 Don Long, Ron Broy, who between lifts into that LZ, 42:51.893 --> 42:54.810 brought ammunition in for resupply. 42:57.297 --> 42:59.172 One such trip they took a mortar round 42:59.172 --> 43:01.672 on the mast of the helicopter. 43:03.363 --> 43:06.780 They exited that aircraft in great haste. 43:07.315 --> 43:11.482 Don Long received a small arms round in his ankle. 43:11.505 --> 43:13.749 All four joined the infantry, 43:13.749 --> 43:15.971 Don long back to his basic branch 43:15.971 --> 43:19.054 with only a .38 revolver at his side. 43:19.829 --> 43:22.818 Not much competition for a battalion size 43:22.818 --> 43:24.485 of North Vietnamese. 43:26.362 --> 43:29.195 Matt McGuire was the Gunship Lead, 43:31.120 --> 43:35.142 in spite of the damage to each of the helicopters, 43:35.142 --> 43:37.809 Matt was always there with team. 43:43.804 --> 43:45.971 He and the end of the day, 43:48.023 --> 43:52.023 we had nine helicopter gunships in that platoon, 43:53.123 --> 43:55.206 but only one was flyable. 43:58.274 --> 44:01.191 Larry McQuade and many other pilots 44:02.991 --> 44:05.074 continued to fly aircraft 44:05.696 --> 44:09.029 that probably should have been grounded, 44:11.073 --> 44:14.656 but it was the remain committed to the welfare 44:14.656 --> 44:17.739 of our troops trapped in that battle. 44:19.621 --> 44:22.704 John Osborn who was Crew Chief on 052 44:24.258 --> 44:28.425 on the last helicopter we had flyable in the 176th. 44:28.754 --> 44:32.337 For the extraction of the remaining 44 men. 44:35.648 --> 44:39.815 During that mission he took a round, a shrapnel round 44:41.884 --> 44:42.884 in the knee. 44:44.933 --> 44:49.100 Subsequently he refused to accept the Purple Heart, 44:49.575 --> 44:51.742 he regarded it as nothing. 44:53.773 --> 44:56.944 Ray Seacrest, unfortunately Ray was unable to be 44:56.944 --> 45:01.027 here with us today, medical reasons, he's unable, 45:03.110 --> 45:06.189 I have communicated with him in recent times, 45:06.189 --> 45:10.356 but felt he was not capable, and our son went to see him, 45:12.086 --> 45:15.086 to see if there was any possibility. 45:16.228 --> 45:18.311 He decided Ray was right. 45:19.894 --> 45:23.727 Ray was my co-pilot and had been for sometime, 45:25.228 --> 45:29.061 at the beginning of he formation of the 176th. 45:29.660 --> 45:31.836 He was the only crew member 45:31.836 --> 45:35.586 who went in and out of that LZ all six times. 45:41.596 --> 45:43.513 Ray was a superb pilot. 45:44.392 --> 45:48.559 He was a flight standardized instructor pilot the unit. 45:49.618 --> 45:53.285 His courage and determination was unwavering 45:54.031 --> 45:56.031 throughout that mission. 45:57.104 --> 46:01.104 He had volunteered to go back out there with me, 46:02.409 --> 46:05.788 after we had already gone through one helicopter. 46:05.788 --> 46:09.455 Against what flight operations had assembled 46:12.415 --> 46:16.582 with one of the pilots that normally flew that aircraft. 46:16.950 --> 46:19.617 Ray insisted that he go instead. 46:22.045 --> 46:26.212 Which of course as many of you realize was a great asset. 46:26.810 --> 46:28.667 I didn't have to brief him on anything cause 46:28.667 --> 46:31.917 he knew the situation as well as I did. 46:34.790 --> 46:37.290 Roland Check, who's over here, 46:38.725 --> 46:40.558 he was my door gunner. 46:40.998 --> 46:44.831 Had been form day one at Fort Benning Georgia. 46:49.019 --> 46:52.519 When he, Roland is a rather unique person, 46:55.734 --> 46:58.234 and in that a German National, 46:59.190 --> 47:02.940 gone to Canada, joined the militia in Canada, 47:04.061 --> 47:07.478 with the expectation of going to Vietnam. 47:08.310 --> 47:11.209 Learning that they were not going to Vietnam, 47:11.209 --> 47:13.750 he came across the border to Detroit 47:13.750 --> 47:16.333 to join the United States Army. 47:16.955 --> 47:21.122 I had the good fortune of having him as my gunner. 47:23.062 --> 47:26.812 On that day he took a round in the left knee, 47:28.603 --> 47:30.227 which not only destroyed his knee, 47:30.227 --> 47:33.560 but the upper most part of his left leg. 47:34.313 --> 47:36.565 The following day I went down to 47:36.565 --> 47:39.315 Quinn Yan Hospital to see Roland. 47:39.984 --> 47:44.151 Roland was in a hospital bed with sheet and blanket, 47:45.456 --> 47:46.975 looked pretty normal. 47:46.975 --> 47:49.892 Rather casual discussion initially. 47:50.239 --> 47:53.156 Then Roland also very casually said 47:54.263 --> 47:56.930 they took my leg off last night. 47:57.116 --> 47:58.866 I was short on words. 48:04.806 --> 48:07.326 He went on to say that's all right. 48:07.326 --> 48:08.409 I'll be fine. 48:11.526 --> 48:13.359 He is over here today. 48:16.366 --> 48:18.616 (applause) 48:33.930 --> 48:36.847 Roland spent a year at Walter Reed, 48:37.010 --> 48:41.177 discharged, married, he and Miriam raised three youngsters. 48:46.721 --> 48:50.293 One of them is a Coast Guard Officer today. 48:50.293 --> 48:52.210 One is an Army Officer. 48:52.290 --> 48:56.123 The third is in the federal system here at DC. 48:57.831 --> 48:58.998 That's Roland. 49:02.828 --> 49:05.411 Richard Amons, and Dewey Smith, 49:05.552 --> 49:09.719 two of the last eight that were extracted outta LZ. 49:10.685 --> 49:14.185 Richard Amons was unable to be here today. 49:16.014 --> 49:19.181 We do have Dewey Smith, here in front. 49:23.969 --> 49:26.052 They were as I mentioned, 49:26.207 --> 49:27.957 among the last eight. 49:28.474 --> 49:31.598 They had been putting up a last ditch effort 49:31.598 --> 49:33.265 to defend the troops 49:34.271 --> 49:37.771 as they loaded aboard the six helicopters. 49:38.429 --> 49:42.596 Their allegiance to the welfare to the other men that day, 49:44.356 --> 49:46.939 is to me what makes our country 49:47.892 --> 49:50.475 what it is for all of us today. 49:52.690 --> 49:56.857 Three months ago and you heard some of this story earlier, 49:57.063 --> 49:58.896 three months ago I had 49:59.043 --> 50:02.760 the opportunity to fly the Huey one more time. 50:02.760 --> 50:05.843 Check and Dewey Smith were there also 50:07.354 --> 50:09.937 to fly in the helicopter again. 50:11.611 --> 50:14.772 That evening we had a dinner in Finley, 50:14.772 --> 50:17.022 gathered with our families, 50:18.088 --> 50:21.171 gathered around the restaurant there, 50:22.208 --> 50:25.375 and near the conclusion of the dinner, 50:25.495 --> 50:28.578 Dewey stood up pointed to all 14 plus 50:30.434 --> 50:32.684 family seated at the table, 50:35.195 --> 50:37.612 and said it's all your fault. 50:39.653 --> 50:42.903 I immediately denied any responsibility 50:46.570 --> 50:48.307 for what Dewey may have done 50:48.307 --> 50:51.150 after i got him back to a secure area. 50:51.150 --> 50:53.400 (applause) 51:01.122 --> 51:05.289 I have a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities, 51:06.484 --> 51:10.151 that each person is afforded by this nation. 51:10.692 --> 51:14.525 I also believe that there is no price to great 51:16.203 --> 51:19.036 for anyone to pay that contributes 51:20.351 --> 51:23.684 to the preservation of our great nation. 51:27.338 --> 51:29.921 I have faith in each generation 51:30.227 --> 51:33.810 that has come along and will in the future. 51:40.608 --> 51:44.358 All the details of this mission on the table, 51:47.468 --> 51:51.551 saving the 44 men is the only thing that matters. 51:56.710 --> 51:59.895 May God continue to bless this great nation, 51:59.895 --> 52:03.645 those who have been gone before us in battle, 52:04.527 --> 52:06.610 those in harms way today, 52:07.900 --> 52:11.312 and those future generations who may very well 52:11.312 --> 52:14.312 have to serve as we have, thank you. 52:16.119 --> 52:18.369 (applause) 53:07.030 --> 53:09.136 - [Voiceover] Thank you Lieutenant Colonel Kettles. 53:09.136 --> 53:11.016 Ladies and gentlemen please remain standing 53:11.016 --> 53:13.533 and join in singing the Army Song. 53:13.533 --> 53:17.700 The words to the Army Song can be found in your program. 53:18.325 --> 53:19.979 ♫ March along 53:19.979 --> 53:21.731 ♫ Sing a song 53:21.731 --> 53:25.398 ♫ With the Army of the free 53:26.048 --> 53:28.210 ♫ Count the brave 53:28.210 --> 53:30.354 ♫ Count the true 53:30.354 --> 53:34.104 ♫ Who have fought to victory 53:34.407 --> 53:38.574 ♫ We're the Army and proud of our name 53:38.837 --> 53:43.004 ♫ We're the Army and proudly proclaim. 53:43.385 --> 53:45.331 ♫ First to fight for the right 53:45.331 --> 53:47.703 ♫ And to build the nations might 53:47.703 --> 53:51.870 ♫ And the Army goes rolling along 53:52.052 --> 53:54.281 ♫ Proud of all we have done 53:54.281 --> 53:56.279 ♫ Fighting till the battles won 53:56.279 --> 54:00.446 ♫ And the Army goes rolling along 54:01.242 --> 54:03.197 ♫ Then it's hi hi hey 54:03.197 --> 54:05.459 ♫ The Army's on it's way 54:05.459 --> 54:09.626 ♫ Count off the cadence loud and strong 54:10.289 --> 54:12.123 ♫ For where e'er we go 54:12.123 --> 54:14.609 ♫ You will always know 54:14.609 --> 54:18.776 ♫ That the Army goes rolling along ♫ 54:22.178 --> 54:24.428 (applause) 54:28.902 --> 54:30.933 - [Voiceover] Ladies and gentlemen please pause for a moment 54:30.933 --> 54:33.398 and at your seats to allow the official party 54:33.398 --> 54:36.349 Lieutenant Colonel Kettles, his family, and battle buddies 54:36.349 --> 54:38.349 to exit the auditorium.