Jon E. Swanson

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Jon Edward Swanson
May 1, 1942(1942-05-01) – February 26, 1971 (aged 28)

Army Medal of Honor
Place of death Killed in action in Cambodia
Allegiance Flag of the United States United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Rank Captain
Unit 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry
Battles/wars Vietnam War
Awards Medal of Honor
Purple Heart

Captain Jon Edward Swanson (May 1, 1942–February 26, 1971) was a United States Army helicopter pilot who directed the destruction 5 enemy bunkers and 3 anti-aircraft before being shot down in Cambodia. His heroic actions were recognized over 30 years later, with the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor by President George W. Bush in 2002.

Swanson and his observer, Staff Sgt. Larry Harrison, were listed as "killed in action body not recovered." In 1999, recovery teams found remains at the site, which were identified in 2001 as Swanson and Harrison.[1] He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in 2002.[2]

Contents

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

CAPTAIN JON E. SWANSON
UNITED STATES ARMY

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

Captain Jon E. Swanson distinguished himself by acts of bravery on February 26, 1971, while flying an OH-6A aircraft in support of ARVN Task Force 333 in the Kingdom of Cambodia. With two well-equipped enemy regiments known to be in the area, Captain Swanson was tasked with pinpointing the enemy’s precise positions. Captain Swanson flew at treetop level at a slow airspeed, making his aircraft a vulnerable target. The advancing ARVN unit came under heavy automatic weapons fire from enemy bunkers 100 meters to their front. Exposing his aircraft to enemy anti-aircraft fire, Captain Swanson immediately engaged the enemy bunkers with concussion grenades and machine gun fire. After destroying five bunkers and evading intense ground-to-air fire, he observed a .51 caliber machine gun position. With all his heavy ordnance expended on the bunkers, he did not have sufficient explosives to destroy the position. Consequently, he marked the position with a smoke grenade and directed a Cobra gun ship attack. After completion of the attack, Captain Swanson found the weapon still intact and an enemy soldier crawling over to man it. He immediately engaged the individual and killed him. During this time, his aircraft sustained several hits from another .51 caliber machine gun. Captain Swanson engaged the position with his aircraft’s weapons, marked the target, and directed a second Cobra gun ship attack. He volunteered to continue the mission, despite the fact that he was now critically low on ammunition and his aircraft was crippled by enemy fire. As Captain Swanson attempted to fly toward another .51 caliber machine gun position, his aircraft exploded in the air and crashed to the ground, causing his death. Captain Swanson’s courageous actions resulted in at least eight enemy killed and the destruction of three enemy anti-aircraft weapons. Captain Swanson’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.[3]

[edit] In memory

Jon E. Swanson's name is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial ("The Wall") on Panel 04W, Row 007.[4]

[edit] See also

United States Army Portal

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Garamone, 2002
  2. ^ Arlington National Cemetery profile.
  3. ^ "Jon E. Swanson, Medal of Honor citation"
  4. ^ Jon Swanson, CPT, Army. The Virtual Wall. Retrieved on 2006-07-27.

[edit] References