Valor in Cambodia: Captain Swanson’s Final Stand

On February 26, 1971, Captain Jon E. Swanson piloted an OH-6A helicopter in support of ARVN Task Force 333 in Cambodia. Despite the presence of two heavily armed enemy regiments in the area, Captain Swanson’s mission was to locate enemy positions. Flying at treetop level and at a low speed, he exposed himself and his aircraft to considerable risk. When advancing ARVN forces came under intense fire from enemy bunkers approximately 100 meters ahead, Captain Swanson responded immediately. He maneuvered his aircraft to engage the bunkers directly, using concussion grenades and machine gun fire, ultimately destroying five of the bunkers and evading severe ground-to-air fire.

During this assault, Captain Swanson identified a .51 caliber machine gun position. Lacking sufficient explosives after the bunker engagement, he marked the location with a smoke grenade, coordinating a Cobra gunship strike. Despite the Cobra’s attack, the weapon remained operational, and an enemy soldier attempted to reoccupy it. Captain Swanson immediately engaged and neutralized the soldier. His aircraft then sustained multiple hits from another .51 caliber machine gun. He retaliated by marking the target and directing a second Cobra strike. Though low on ammunition and with his aircraft heavily damaged, Captain Swanson volunteered to continue the mission. While attempting to approach yet another .51 caliber position, his helicopter was struck, exploded in mid-air, and crashed, resulting in his death.

Captain Swanson’s extraordinary bravery and sacrifice led to the confirmed deaths of at least eight enemy combatants and the destruction of three enemy anti-aircraft weapons. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.