This Military Service Page was created/owned by
AB Raymond Guinn
to remember
Hodges, Aron Paul, TSgt USAF(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Henderson
Last Address Henderson, TN
Date of Passing Jun 16, 2005
Location of Interment Chester County Memory Gardens - Henderson, Tennessee
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
His Silver Star Citation reads:
Staff Sergeant Aron P. Hodges distinguished himself by gallantry as a volunteer in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States during the Prisoner of War search and rescue operation at Son Tay, North Vietnam, on 21 November 1970. On that date, Sergeant Hodges, performing as a Flight Engineer-Gunner in a helicopter, flew deep into the heart of enemy territory in a bold night attempt to rescue American Prisoners of War. His aircraft was the first into the objective area. His extremely accurate fire upon critical enemy threats within a few feet of suspected prisoner containment areas provided invaluable protection for the rescue party and created panic and total confusion among the enemy. The personal skill and extreme courage displayed by Sergeant Hodges in this very hazardous rescue attempt contributed immeasurably to the ultimate effectiveness and success of the mission. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Hodges has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
1967-1969, HH-53 Sikorsky (Super Jolly Green Giant)
From Year 1967
To Year 1969
Personal Memories
Not Specified
Image
HH-53 Sikorsky (Super Jolly Green Giant) Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
General characteristics
* Crew: 2 pilots, 1 or more crew chiefs * Capacity: 37 troops (55 in alternate configuration) or 24 stretchers * Length: 88 ft 6 in (26.97 m) * Rotor diameter: 72 ft 2.7 in (22.01 m) * Height: 24 ft 11 in (7.6 m) * Empty weight: 23,628 lb (10,740 kg) * Loaded weight: 33,500 lb (15,227 kg) * Max takeoff weight: 42,000 lb (19,100 kg) * Powerplant: 2� General Electric T64-GE-413 turboshafts, 3,925 shp (2,927 kW) each * Width (overall): 28 ft 4 in (8.64 m) * Width (fuselage): 15 ft 6 in (4.7 m) * Rotor systems: 6 blades on main rotor
Performance
* Maximum speed: 170 knots (196 mph, 315 km/h) * Cruise speed: 150 kt (173 mph, 278 km/h) * Range: 540 nmi (1,000 km) * Service ceiling 16,750 ft (5,106 m) * Rate of climb: 2,460 ft/min (750 m/min)
Armament
* Two Door Mounted XM218 .50 BMG machine guns. Some have RMWS (Ramp Mounted Weapon System) GAU-21 .50 BMG machine gun.
