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AB Raymond Guinn
to remember
McGeorge, William M. (Apple 5), Maj.
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Captain William M. McGeorge distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the Prisoner of War Search and Rescue Operation at Son Tay, North Vietnam, on 21 November 1970. On that date, flying as Pilot of an aircraft prepared to carry out the rescue party and freed prisoners, Captain McGeorge flew deep into enemy territory in a bold night attempt to rescue American Prisoners of War. Completely aware of the enemy antiaircraft and surface-to-air missile threats enroute and in the objective area, Captain McGeorge totally disregarded his personal safety and skillfully and accurately performed his pilot duties, thereby enabling the crew to lead the force precisely to the target. As a result of Captain McGeorge's heroic efforts, the force arrived at Son Tay as planned, the enemy forces were completely surprised, and the mission was successfully completed. During the return flight, he successfully rescued a downed fighter pilot from hostile territory. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain McGeorge has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Other Comments:
1968-1970, HH-3/CH-3E Jolly Green Giant
From Year 1968
To Year 1970
Personal Memories
Not Specified
Image
HH-3/CH-3E Jolly Green Giant Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
Later, 50 CH-3Es were modified for combat rescue missions with armor, defensive armament, self-sealing fuel tanks, a rescue hoist and in-flight refueling capability. They were redesignated HH-3Es and used extensively in Southeast Asia under the nickname "Jolly Green Giant."
USAF variants served in numerous air rescue squadrons and aerospace rescue and recovery squadons of the Military Airlift Command (MAC), rescue squadrons of the Air Combat Command (ACC) and other USAF major commands world-wide. The aircraft was also used by a number of Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard rescue squadrons. All USAF HH-3Es, to include Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard, were retired in the 1990s and replaced by the current HH-60G Pavehawk.
CH/HH-3 Jolly Green Giant HH-3F Pelican Specifications Main rotor diameter 62 ft. Fuselage Length 73 ft. 0 in. Height 18 ft. 1 in. Weight 22,050 lbs. loaded Armament Provisions for two .50-cal. machine guns Engines Two General Electric T58-GE-5 turboshaft engines of 1,500 hp. each Crew Three Cost $796,000 Maximum speed 177 mph. Cruising speed 154 mph. Range 779 miles with external fuel tanks Service Ceiling 21,000 ft.
