Medal of Honor Books

Heroes in the War on Terrorism

NAVY    -  MARINES   -  AIR FORCE   - ARMY O.E.F.  - ARMY O.I.F.

These books contain the citations for nearly all of the awards of the Silve Star and higher to members of each branch of service in the War on Terrorism. Books include photos of most recipients, some biographical data, analysis of awards by rank, unit, date, and more.

ENCYCLOPEDIA of AMERICAN MILITARY HEROES

Arlington National Cemetery
  60-7755 

BORN:  May 1, 1942 at Boulder, CO

Entered Service in the US Army from Boulder, CO

Earned The Medal of Honor During the Vietnam War For heroism on February 26, 1971 at Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia

Captain Swanson was flying an OH-6A aircraft in support of ARVN Task Force 333 in the Kingdom of Cambodia. With two enemy regiments known to be in the area, he was tasked with pinpointing the enemy's precise positions. He flew at treetop level at a slow airspeed, making his aircraft a vulnerable target. The advancing ARVN unit came under heavy automatic weapons fire from enemy bunkers 100 meters to their front. Exposing his aircraft to enemy fire, Captain Swanson engaged the enemy. After destroying five bunkers he observed a .51 caliber machine gun position. With all his heavy ordnance expended on the bunkers, he did not have sufficient explosives to destroy the position. Consequently, he marked the position with a smoke grenade and directed a Cobra gun ship attack. After completion of the attack he found the weapon still intact and an enemy soldier crawling over to man it. He immediately engaged the individual and killed him. His aircraft sustained several hits from another .51 caliber machine gun but again he marked the target and directed a second Cobra gun ship attack. As he attempted to fly toward another .51 caliber machine gun position, his aircraft exploded in the air and crashed to the ground, causing his death.