Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Vietnam War - U.S. Air Force

Hilliard Almond Wilbanks

Details
  • Rank: Captain
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    21st Tactical Air Support Squadron,
    Nha Trang Air Force Base, Vietnam
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Air Force
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: February 24, 1967
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Dalat, Republic of Vietnam
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. As a forward air controller Capt. Wilbanks was pilot of an unarmed, light aircraft flying visual reconnaissance ahead of a South Vietnam Army Ranger Battalion. His intensive search revealed a well-concealed and numerically superior hostile force poised to ambush the advancing Rangers. The Viet Cong, realizing that Capt. Wilbanks' discovery had compromised their position and ability to launch a surprise attack, immediately fired on the small aircraft with all available firepower. The enemy then began advancing against the exposed forward elements of the ranger force which were pinned down by devastating fire. Capt. Wilbanks recognized that close support aircraft could not arrive in time to enable the rangers to withstand the advancing enemy onslaught. With full knowledge of the limitations of his unarmed, unarmored light reconnaissance aircraft, and the great danger imposed by the enemy's vast firepower, he unhesitatimgly assumed a covering, close support role. Flying through a hail of withering fire at treetop level, Capt. Wilbanks passed directly over the advancing enemy and inflicted many casualties by firing his rifle out of the side window of his aircraft. Despite increasingly intense antiaircraft fire, Capt. Wilbanks continued to completely disregard his own safety and made repeated low passes over the enemy to divert their fire away from the rangers. His daring tactics successfully interrupted the enemy advance, allowing the rangers to withdraw to safety from their perilous position. During his final courageous attack to protect the withdrawing forces, Capt. Wilbanks was mortally wounded and his bullet-riddled aircraft crashed between the opposing forces. Capt. Wilbanks' magnificent action saved numerous friendly personnel from certain injury or death. His unparalleled concern for his fellow man and his extraordinary heroism were in the highest traditions of the military service, and have reflected great credit upon himself and the U.S. Air Force.

Medal of Honor Recipient Hilliard A. Wilbanks
Medal of Honor Recipient Hilliard A. Wilbanks
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: January 24, 1968

    The Pentagon, presented by Sec. of the Air Force Harold Brown to his widow

  • Born: July 26, 1933, Cornelia, Habersham County, GA, United States
  • Died: February 24, 1967, Republic of Vietnam
  • Buried: Fayette Methodist Cemetery (MH), Fayette, MS, United States
  • Location of Medal: Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School, Demorest, GA
 

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