PURCHASE STEPHEN R

WO1 Stephen R. Purchase was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 06/09/1976 at the age of 27.3
Fairbanks, AK
Flight Classes 71-19 and 71-17
Date of Birth 02/13/1949
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 159 MED DET in 71-72
This information was provided by SSN search

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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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024