Air Commandos Squadron

Medal of Honor

Recipient

Captain Hilliard Almond Wilbanks

24 February 1967

United States Air Force

21st Tactical Air Support

Near Da Lat

Republic of Viet Nam

As a forward air controller for a ARVN Ranger Bn. He flew his unarmed aircraft at tree-top level to divert the enemy away from the allied troops Through a hail of enemy small arms fire, he inflicted numerous causalities by firing his survival rifle at the enemy out of his side window. His actions allowed the ARVN Rangers to withdraw safely. He continued to fire at the enemy until he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions saved numerous friendly personnel from certain injury or death.