THE WALL OF FACES

He was a great guy and fearless pilot. I'll always remember the helmet he wore with the words: "I do my thing. and you do your thing. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you are not in this world to live up to mine. You are you and I am I , and if by chance we find each other, it's beautiful.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow soldiers. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Citation: The President of the United States of America . . . takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Robert Louis Horst, United States Army (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 7 April 1972 while serving as the Aircraft Commander of an unarmed medical evacuation helicopter in the 283d Medical Detachment, while attempting to evacuate three American advisors and one Army of the Republic of Vietnam captain after their convoy had been ambushed by an estimated battalion of highly trained North Vietnamese troops north of the city of An Loc, Republic of Vietnam. CWO Horst heard about the stranded, critically-wounded Americans, who at the time were completely surrounded by the North Vietnamese ground element, as he flew out to evacuate an American medic who had been wounded while his crew unsuccessfully attempted to extract the besieged Americans. After landing at the staging area of Song Be, CWO Horst received a briefing during which he was informed that the enemy was in possession of numerous anti-aircraft weapons, and the continuous air strikes delivered to the enemy element had been to no avail in slaking the withering fire directed on any and all aircraft attempting to fly in the vicinity. CWO Horst demonstrating indomitable courage, complete disregard for his own safety and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, elected to go to the site and attempt a rescue. Although three attempts had been previously made to extract the wounded personnel, they had all been repulsed by the deadly hail of enemy fire. At the site the enemy troops began to make bold advances on the American position despite heavy rocket attacks by the helicopter gunships. CWO Horst sensing that any further delay might cost the lives of the wounded on the ground, began his approach and landed on the highway. When he did not immediately see the wounded Americans, he hovered down the highway amidst withering fire directed at him from all positions around the aircraft. It was during this heroic and humane attempt to locate the survivors, that CWO Horst was struck and killed by enemy fire. CWO Horst's feats of gallantry were an inspiration to all who observed and reflect great credit on him and the United States Army.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/5351

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Robert Louis Horst, United States Army (Reserve), for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with the 159th Medical Detachment. Warrant Officer Horst distinguished himself on 27 December 1971 while serving as an Aircraft Commander of an aero-medical evacuation helicopter on a mission to evacuate the crew of a downed United States Army helicopter ten miles to the northwest of the city of Trang Bang, Republic of Vietnam. An insertion of the Republic of Vietnam forces took place in the area of XT 4020. A subsequent insertion drew heavy enemy fire, badly damaging one of the lift aircraft, heavy casualties were sustained and a request was made by the ARVN ground commander for a medical evacuation helicopter. Tomahawk 13 made an approach to the landing zone to attempt a pick up of wounded ARVNs. The fusillade of fire directed upon him caused him to abort the approach and attempt to climb out. At this time a rocket hit the aircraft and caused the ship to crash and burn. The crew managed to escape. Dust Off 107 piloted by Mr. Horst entered the landing zone and remained on the ground amidst intense enemy fire and not until all of the Americans and ten of the Vietnamese soldiers had been loaded did he depart the landing zone. Warrant Officer Horst's gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/5351

May this remembrance find you in the eternal Holy Kingdom of our Lord.