Helicopter pilot receives Cheney Award

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  An HH-60G helicopter pilot received the Cheney Award from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz here Oct. 15 for the rescue of two critically injured Marines in Helmand Valley, Afghanistan.

Maj. John G. Mangan, the assistant director of operations for the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., led his formation of two HH-60Gs on July 2, 2009, while in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

According to his citation, Major Mangan executed multiple approaches into two different landing zones despite intense enemy fire and a lack of communications with ground forces.

"We were holding a few miles away trying to make contact with the ground commander while enemy forces were within 300 meters to the west, north and south," Major Mangan said. "It was a difficult situation and a lucky decision, but I said to myself, 'we're not gonna call it quits,' knowing people's lives were on the line."

During the rescue, his wingman's aircraft took enemy fire, causing Major Mangan to execute the final phase of the rescue without airborne mutual support.

"My wingman almost got shot down altogether; a bullet passed a couple of feet away from his head," the major said. "He flew away to assess the damage on his aircraft, and once he realized it was still battle-worthy, he returned to continue the fight and assist in the rescue."

Though the major's decisions as he engaged enemy forces saved the lives of two Marines, he credits his team for completing the daunting mission.

"There were 13 people on the flight who put their lives at risk to do the right thing and save these guys; it wasn't just me," the major said. "Each one of them was absolutely critical for the mission to be successful."