More detail on this person: Soldier's Medal Citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Major (Armor) Willard D. Conklin, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 1 May 1969. Major Conklin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1H command and control helicopter in Dong Tum Heliport. Seeing an AH-1C Cobra crash, he immediately directed his pilot to land at the nearest possible point to the downed aircraft, briefed his crew, and landed. He ran to the crash site and observing other rescuers in the process of freeing the pilot from the debris, began a search for the co-pilot. Seeing that the pilot was still pinned in the wreckage, he ran to assist in freeing him. He helped to carry the pilot away from the aircraft and, once assured that proper first aid was being rendered, returned to the burning wreckage to extinguish the fire. The flames endangered the rounds in the fully loaded ammunition bays, and Major Conklin directed the rescuers to move the man away since the Cobra might explode at any minute. They had moved 100 meters from the wreckage when the aircraft exploded. He then directed the man to be evacuated on the nearest helicopter. He returned to the crash site and continued to search for the co-pilot. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Burial information: Highland Cementery, Hattiesburg, MS
This information was last updated 06/21/2026
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Date posted on this site: 07/15/2026
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