Frederick E. Ferguson’s Medal of Honor Citation

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

FREDERICK EDGAR FERGUSON
ARMY

for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company C, 227th Aviation Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Hue, Republic of Vietnam, on 31 January 1968. Chief Warrant Officer Ferguson, commander of a re-supply helicopter monitoring an emergency call from wounded passengers and crewmen of a downed helicopter under heavy attack within the enemy controlled city of Hue, unhesitatingly volunteered to attempt evacuation. Despite warnings from all aircraft to stay clear of the area due to heavy antiaircraft fire, Chief Warrant Officer Ferguson began a low-level flight at maximum airspeed along the Perfume River toward the tiny, isolated South Vietnamese Army compound in which the crash survivors had taken refuge. Coolly and skillfully maintaining his course in the face of intense, short range fire from enemy occupied buildings and boats, he displayed superior flying skill and tenacity of purpose by landing his aircraft in an extremely confined area in a blinding dust cloud under heavy mortar and small-arms fire. Although the helicopter was severely damaged by mortar fragments during the loading of the wounded, Chief Warrant Officer Ferguson disregarded the damage and, taking off through the continuing hail of mortar fire, he flew his crippled aircraft on the return route through the rain of fire that he had experienced earlier and safely returned his wounded passengers to friendly control. Chief Warrant Officer Ferguson’s extraordinary determination saved the lives of five of his comrades. His actions are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself and the United States Army.

Born: Aug. 18, 1939 in Pilot Point, Texas… First helicopter pilot awarded the Medal of Honor… Also awarded two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and 39 Air Medals… Joined the Arizona Air National Guard after completing his active duty service, reaching the rank of major… Voluntarily reverted to warrant officer to stay a flight instructor