Contact Admin. He was the first helicopter pilot to be awarded the Medal of Honor. John Kelvin Koelsch joined the U. Naval Reserve as an aviation cadet on September 14, , and was commissioned as an ensign on October 23, , after completing flight training.
He became an accomplished torpedo bomber pilot, and was promoted to lieutenant junior grade on August 1, He provided lifeguard duty for pilots who were downed either in coastal waters or over enemy-held territory. Wilkins parachuted from his burning plane at low altitude and survived, despite being severely burned about the legs. Despite approaching darkness, worsening weather, and enemy ground fire, Lieutenant Koelsch located the downed aviator in the Anbyon Valley and began his pickup.
Thick fog prevented the air cover from protecting the unarmed HO3S helicopter, and intense enemy fire downed the craft as crewman George M. Neal, AM3, hoisted the injured pilot toward the helicopter. All three men survived the crash; and, after hiding in the mountains from enemy patrols for three days, they began a slow march to the coast.
After six more days, they reached a coastal village where they were captured the following day while hiding in a hut. During his captivity, though beaten and abused, Koelsch refused to aid his captors or submit to interrogation. His fortitude and personal bravery inspired his fellow prisoners.
John Koelsch died of malnutrition and dysentery on October 16, , while a prisoner of war. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. National Museum of Naval Aviation. Retrieved from " https: Views Read Edit View history. Lt jg John K. Medal of Honor Purple Heart. Login Signup. Signup Login Contact Admin. Marina 20 Anbyon. Photo verified. Faith 21 North Korea. Victoria 24 Anbyon. I do not get bored, I am a pure smile all the time, and I respect the time we agreed on the handy, sometimes you can get a bonus too leave it as a surprise.
