Fallen Hero's / Jolly Green 23 / 37th ARRS / HH-3E

9th June 1968

37th ARRS
HH-3E #67-14710
Jolly Green 23

On June 9th, 1968, a Marine A4E Skyhawk, callsign Hellborn 215, was shot down while bombing NVA forces in the heavily defended Base Area 611 at the north end of the A Shau Valley in South Vietnam.

A large SAR effort was mounted to rescue the pilot, 1st Lt. Walter R. Schmidt, Jr., USMC, who had landed along a major branch of the Ho Chi Minh Trail near the Laos-Vietnam border.   After extensive bombing to silence the enemy ground fire, an HH-3E Jolly Green Giant helicopter moved in to attempt a pickup.   This helicopter, Jolly Green 22, made two attempts to reach the survivor but was driven off by heavy ground fire each time.   After each attempt, more ordnance was expended on the surrounding areas in an effort to suppress this ground fire.   Jolly Green 22 finally was forced to abort its efforts due to low fuel.

Following additional suppression efforts, a second helicopter, Jolly Green 23, moved in to attempt a pickup.   After entering a hover and beginning to lower a parajumper to assist the injured survivor, JG23 came under intense ground fire.   As related by the supporting FAC, Trail 33, the left engine of the helicopter erupted in flames, and the pilot reported he was pulling off and attempting to reach a clearing approximately one kilometre north of the rescue site.   As JG23 approached the clearing, the rotor noticeably slowed and the helicopter impacted the ground. The aircraft was totally engulfed in flame.   It was apparent there could be no survivors from this crash.

Jolly Green 23 Crew
Pilot Lt. Jack Rittichier (USCG)	Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Air Force Award) (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Jack Columbus Rittichier (CGSN: 0-68068148), United States Coast Guard, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while attached to the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, United States Air Force, as rescue crew commander of an HH-3E helicopter in Southeast Asia on 9 June 1968. On that date, Lieutenant Rittichier attempted the rescue of a downed pilot from one of the most heavily defended areas in Southeast Asia. Despite intense accurate hostile fire, which had severely damaged another helicopter, Lieutenant Rittichier, with undaunted determination, indomitable courage and professional skill, established a hover and persisted in the rescue attempt until his aircraft was downed by hostile fire. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Rittichier reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.
Co-Pilot Capt. Richard C. Yeend, jr	Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Air Force Award) (Posthumously)  Richard C. Yeend, Jr. (AFSN: 3119544), United States Air Force (Reserve), was awarded the Silver Star (Posthumously) for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force during an air mission in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Yeend distinguished himself by intrepid actions while serving with 37th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 7th Air Force. His unquestionable valour in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 7th Air Force, and the United States Air Force.
Flight Engineer SSgt. Elmer L. Holden	Pararescueman SrA. James D. Locker