THE WALL OF FACES

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Terence Francis Courtney, United States Air Force (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an AC-119K Aircraft Commander of the 18th Special Operations Squadron, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action at An Loc, Republic of Vietnam, on 2 May 1972. On that date, while supporting friendly forces under intense enemy fire, Captain Courtney's aircraft was struck in the right wing by anti-aircraft artillery fire. Both right engines began to burn profusely, with flames trailing from the wing to the tail of the aircraft. Control of the aircraft had become so difficult that Captain Courtney had to use all his strength to maintain control. He wrapped his arms around the yoke to keep the aircraft's nose from pitching down. When he could no longer control the aircraft, he ordered his crew to bail out. Immediately after the last man bailed out, the aircraft crashed and burst into flames. As a result of Captain Courtney's conscious and deliberate decision to sacrifice his own life by remaining at the controls of his doomed aircraft, seven of his crew were recovered with only minor injuries. His courage, gallantry, intrepidity, and sense of responsibility toward his fellow men overrode any desire or instinctive reaction for his own self-preservation. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, and in the dedication of his service to his country, Captain Courtney reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/3576

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Terence Francis Courtney, United States Air Force (Reserve), for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-119K Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 28 January 1972. On that date, Captain Courtney flew an armed reconnaissance mission against infiltration routes being used by unfriendly forces. After locating a truck convoy, moving under the cover of darkness, Captain Courtney's aircraft made repeated attacks against the convoy even though his aircraft came under heavy and accurate hostile fire. Captain Courtney's superior airmanship resulted in several trucks being destroyed and damaged. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Courtney in the dedication of his service to his country reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/3576

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from those airmen who served with you are touching and attest to their admiration and respect for you. May you rest in eternal peace.

Dear Captain Terence Courtney,
Thank you for your service as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot (Various.) It is so important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

On May 2, 1972, a Fairchild AC-119K Stinger (#53-7826) from the 18th Special Operations Squadron was sent on a daylight mission to An Loc, Binh Long Province, RVN, to destroy some ammunition that a C-130 cargo aircraft had dropped too close to the enemy. Other Stingers flying daylight missions over the same area had encountered considerable problems avoiding anti-aircraft fire (AAA) emplacements. When 826 moved into the target area, they were joined by an O-2 spotter aircraft which would help them locate the target. The Stinger came into the target area at 4700 feet, but the weather forced them down to a dangerously low 3500 feet. As they orbited the area, they drew AAA fire which exploded above the aircraft. The crew had difficulty pinpointing their target, and with each pass they made the enemy fire came closer. On what was to be their last pass, the enemy gunner found its target, hitting the Stinger’s right wing with three or four rounds of 37mm AAA. The whole wing, from the right reciprocating engine to the jet engine, was in flames which trailed all the way back to rear crew entrance door. The right main wheel well blew open and both right engines lost all power. With only the two left engines running, and the aircraft still on fire, the plane was fast becoming uncontrollable. Pilot CAPT Terence F. Courtney applied full left rudder and full left aileron control, trying to keep the ship flying. In a very short amount of time the aircraft lost quite a bit of altitude as MAYDAY was called and a safe bailout heading sought. Courtney then yelled, “Abandon aircraft! Abandon aircraft!” Of the ten crew members aboard, seven successfully egressed the stricken aircraft. Courtney, navigator CAPT David R. Slagle, and SSGT Kenneth R. Brown apparently never made it off the aircraft and perished in the crash. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org; narrative by Craig Corbett taken from togetherweserved.com]