More detail on this person: Distinguished
Service Cross Awarded for actions during the
Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America,
authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918
(amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure
in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to
Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Stephen R. Purchase,
United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 159th
Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance).
Warrant Officer Purchase distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 7 April 1972,
while serving as the Pilot of an unarmed medical
evacuation helicopter attempting to evacuate three
wounded American Advisors and an ARVN (South
Vietnamese Army) captain who were completely
surrounded by an estimated battalion of North
Vietnamese Army troops. After landing at the
staging area in Song Be, Warrant Officer Purchase
received a briefing during which he was informed
that the enemy was in possession of numerous
anti-aircraft weapons and that continuous air
strikes had failed to thwart the enemy offensive.
Demonstrating indomitable courage, disregard for
his own safety and profound concern for his fellow
soldiers, Warrant Officer Purchase volunteered to
attempt a rescue even though three previous
attempts that day had failed. At the rescue site
the enemy troops began to make bold advances on
the American position despite heavy rocket attacks
by helicopter gunships. Realizing that further
delay might cost the lives of the wounded, he
began his approach and landed on a road in the
area of the wounded soldiers. Because they could
not be located, he hovered his aircraft along the
road searching for them, flying in extraordinarily
intense fire directed at him from all positions
about the aircraft. During this time, his aircraft
commander was struck and killed by enemy fire.
Warrant Officer Purchase courageously piloted his
aircraft from the area despite the overwhelming
firepower that was not being directed against him.
Warrant Officer Purchase's extraordinary heroism
and devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army,
Vietnam, General Orders No. 1199 (June 1, 1972),
Action Date: April 7, 1972, Service: Army, Rank:
Warrant Officer 1,
Company: 159th Medical Detachment (Helicopter
Ambulance)
Silver Star Awarded for actions during the Vietnam
War
The President of the United States of America,
authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918
(amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure
in presenting the Silver Star to Warrant Officer
One (WO-1) Stephen R. Purchase, United States
Army, for gallantry in connection with military
operations against an opposing armed force in the
Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 159th
Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance).
Warrant Officer Purchase distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 27 December
1971 while serving as the Pilot of an aeromedical
evacuation helicopter on a mission to evacuate the
crew of a downed United States Army helicopter.
An insertion of the Republic of Vietnam Forces
took place in the area of XT 4020. The helicopter
provided for the insertion of these troops were
ships of the 128th Assault Helicopter company with
American pilots. After the insertion of the ARVN
troops, heavy casualties were sustained and a
request was made by the ARVN ground
commander for a medical evacuation helicopter. An
American lift helicopter made an approach to the
landing zone to attempt a pick up of wounded
ARVN's, but had to turn back due to the intensity
of enemy fire. 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. Purchase, 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 they
depart. Warrant Officer Purchase'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.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army,
Vietnam, General Orders No. 1226 (June 6, 1972),
Action Date: December 27, 1971, Service: Army,
Rank: Warrant Officer 1, Company: 159th Medical
Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance)
Source:
http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/r
ecipient.php?recipientid=5309
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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