"Above the Best"

CPT Jon E. Swanson distinguished himself on Feb. 26, 1971, while flying an OH-6A in support of South Vietnamese forces operating in Cambodia.

Swanson was tasked with pinpointing the positions of two enemy regiments. While flying at treetop level he engaged enemy bunkers with concussion grenades and machine-gun fire. After expending all his heavy ordnance, he marked an enemy machine-gun position with a smoke grenade and directed a Cobra gun ship attack. The weapon remained intact, however, and Swanson immediately engaged and destroyed it.

Under fire from a second weapon, Swanson engaged the position, marked the target, and directed a second Cobra gun ship attack. While flying toward a third enemy emplacement his aircraft exploded in the air and crashed to the ground, killing him.

Swanson's courageous actions resulted in at least eight enemy killed and the destruction of three enemy antiaircraft weapons. His extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. He posthumously received the Medal of Honor for these actions.