http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123013356



by Senior Airman J.G. Buzanowski
Air Force Print News

12/5/2005 - WASHINGTON -- Two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter aircrews received the Clarence McKay Trophy today for rescuing five Soldiers whose helicopter crashed in a sandstorm near Kharbut, Iraq, in April 2004.

The Airmen, from the 41st and 38th rescue squadrons at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., are:

--Capts. Bryan Creel, Joseph Galletti and Robby Wrinkle

--1st Lt. Gregory Rockwood

--Tech. Sgts. Michael Preston, Thomas Ringheimer and Paul Silver

--Staff Sgts. Vincent J. Eckert, John Griffin, Edward Ha, Patrick Ledbetter, Matthew Leigh and Michael Rubio.

The Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter was part of a three-ship re-supply mission April 16, 2004, when they ran into a sandstorm 70 miles southeast of Baghdad. The first and third helicopters were able to climb out.

The second helicopter tried to land to avoid any possible mid-air collisions. But, when the helicopter touched down, the right landing gear collapsed and the helicopter rolled onto its side.

Captain Creel and the Jolly 11 crew -- from the 41st -- got the call for the combat rescue operation. Despite intelligence reports of possible enemy threats -- and a raging sandstorm -- they, along with the Jolly 12 crew from the 38th RQS were airborne within 45 minutes.

While en route to the crash site, Captain Creel and his wingman, Captain Wrinkle, realized they would have to alter their flying to get to the downed aircrew. The sandstorm wreaked havoc and rendered their infrared and night vision goggles ineffective -– leaving the pilots to fly by instruments.

On their first approach, they flew right over the downed Soldiers. The two helicopters circled around and Captain Creel set down. Captain Wrinkle’s helicopter provided cover and then landed so its pararescue team could help.

“I think they were worried we weren’t going to go in for them,” Captain Wrinkle said. “Once they were on board, they were quiet, solemn. I think they were just glad to be rescued.”

Their perils were not over when the survivors were on board. On their way back to base, the helicopters came under attack and evaded several surface-to-air missiles and small arms fire.

“Combat search and rescue is a double-edged sword,” Captain Creel said. “We want to go out and do our mission. But if we have to, it means someone needs our help and might be hurt.”

Captain Creel was in awe of the prestige of the trophy when he saw it at the National Air and Space Museum -- especially after he saw the names of aviation pioneers and Air Force generals Chuck Yeager and Jimmy Doolittle on the trophy.

“To know we’re in the same category as some of them is just a great honor,” he said.

The Air Force and National Aeronautic Association present the McKay Trophy to Airmen or an organization involved in the “most meritorious flight of the year.” The trophy was first awarded in 1911 and is on display at the National Air and Space Museum.