More detail on this person: USAFHPA Member - Jerry Griggs - Final Flight Received the following from Theresa Patterson this afternoon: Betty just called me a few minutes ago to let me know that Jerry had passed away yesterday from a head injury sustained from a fall at home. Arrangements are not available yet but Betty asked that you let the members know. Thanks, Theresa Patterson Our prayers and thoughts to the Griggs Family, Bill Waters Addition details to follow when available: Jerry M. Griggs DATE OF BIRTH: August 2, 1936 HOME OF RECORD: Elko, Nevada Major Griggs was one of TWO 37th ARRS pilots to earn the Air Force Cross in the same March 30, 1968, mission. An Air Force Cross was also awarded to HH-3E pilot Major Joe Green. Jerry Griggs retired as a U.S. Air Force Colonel on February 28, 1978. AWARDS BY DATE OF ACTION: 1 of 7 Air Force Cross AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING Vietnam War Service: Air Force Battalion: 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron Division: DaNang Air Base, Vietnam GENERAL ORDERS: Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-147 (March 24, 1969) CITATION: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Major Jerry M. Griggs (AFSN: 3081409), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-3E helicopter of the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action near the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam, on 30 March 1968. On that date, Major Griggs flew over hostile territory in low overcast weather to reach the survivors from six American helicopters which had been shot down by hostile fire. After his aircraft received substantial battle damage from intense opposing ground fire, Major Griggs, with undaunted determination, indomitable courage, and professional skill, persisted in the rescue attempt until he rescued four survivors, although he sustained further battle damage from the intense hostile ground fire. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Griggs reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
This information was last updated 01/02/2021
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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