Sgt Rudolph A. Elizondo

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR

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THE VIETNAM WAR - SOUTHEAST ASIA - THE REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

SERGEANT RUDOLPH A. ELIZONDO

Sergeant Rudolph A. Elizondo distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at Katum Special Forces Camp, Republic of Vietnam on 24 September 1968.

On that date, Sergeant Elizondo was a member of a Combat Control Team who was deployed to the camp to provide air traffic control and ground support for the aerial resupply of the beleaguered Vietnamese camp which was under pre-siege mortar and rocket barrage.

With complete disregard for his personal safety Sergeant Elizondo helped clear the drop zone and recover the load before it was recovered by hostile forces and used against the camp.

By the successful recovery of these much needed supplies, the imminent hostile ground attack was bolted and the Vietnamese camp kept from being overrun by a determined hostile force.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Elizondo has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.