History Series

Editor's Note: This is the weekly installment of a review of our back issues as The Sylva Herald and Ruralite celebrates its 75th anniversary throughout 2001. The following articles appeared in the Jan. 11, 1968, edition.

Austin cited for heroism while serving in Viet Nam

The commendation presented by Col. Edward B. Kitchens, Jr., chief of staff, reads in part as follows:

On March 22, 1967, "during Operation Junction City, PFC Austin was serving as a grenadier. His unit was airlifted into a small jungle clearing near the Cambodian border where they quickly set up a defensive perimeter. One squad was sent out to search and clear the surrounding area. They had gone only 200 meters from the perimeter when they were suddenly engaged by a numerically superior Viet Cong force and sustained several casualties. PFC Austin, who was watching the patrol from the perimeter, immediately ran to the aid of the embattled squad.

"Although subjected to intense insurgent fire, PFC Austin completely disregarded his personal safety and advanced toward the well -armed Viet Cong. He continued to advance from position to position, stopping only to fire at the insurgents. The Viet Cong were soon forced to retreat.

"Through his courage and resolution of purpose, Austin significantly contributed to the quick and complete rout of the Viet Cong force. PFC Austin's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division and the United States Army."

PFC Austin currently is at home on leave. He will report for further duty at Ft. Knox, Ky.

Bradley credited with saving lives of two helicopter pilots

While on routine flights, the helicopter suddenly had a malfunction with caused it to plummet downward. The pilots autorated the ship toward the ground, but a hard landing broke the tail boom, sending the ship back up approximately 100 feet before it came crashing back to the ground.

The wrecked helicopter was lodged on its side.

Fire was already beginning to start at points on the ship, when Sp/5 Bradley, having observed the crash, ran to the downed helicopter. Finding the door jammed, Bradley kicked in a window and crawled inside. He found both aviators stunned, but otherwise uninjured.

Prying the side door open from the inside, Bradley aided the pilot out of the smoke-filled chopper to safety and rushed back for the co-pilot. Bradley found the other aviator still in his seat, pinned by crash debris. Quickly removing the debris Bradley pulled the second aviator from the wreckage which was already filled with billowing smoke.

Within seconds after Bradley and his charge were a safe distance away, the helicopter was enveloped with flame.Bradley grabbed a fire extinguisher and rushed back to fight the fire, but he was turned back by a secondary explosion. The aircraft was totally lost but Bradley's action resulted in no injures from the crash.

Editor's Update: Both Austin and Bradley survived their Vietnam experience, but neither likes to talk about it. Austin, who retired after working with the railroad in Western North Carolina, now lives in Haywood County. Bradley lives in the Dills Creek section of Jackson County.

Back to Archive: 02/08/01.