The AIG, Joel Talley

Published: Wed, 04/06/22

PJAssociation.com

"Once a PJ/CRO, Always a PJ/CRO"

To All,

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Pararescueman Joel E. Talley, April 6th 10:15 am.

Information to follow on Service plans.

Jodi can be reached if needed at:

Joette Talley
20 Lakeshore Drive
Shalimar, FL 32579
850-499-3379

DATE OF BIRTH: March 9, 1948

HOME OF RECORD:

Farmland, Indiana

The surviving F-105 pilot rescued by "Jolly Green 29", which was piloted by U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Lance A. Eagan, Lieutenant Colonel Jack Modica. Because Colonel Modica had fractured his pelvis and could not be moved, Airman Talley had to vector the hovering helicopter directly over the injured man, making both the aircraft and the men on the ground immediate targets. The helicopter was forced to depart the area before Talley and Modica were winched inside, leaving them dangling in exposed positions. Once recovered, Airman Talley administered first aid to Colonel Modica during the return trip to friendly territory. Joel Talley retires as a U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant.

AWARDS BY DATE OF ACTION: 1 of 1

Air Force Cross

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War

Service: Air Force

Battalion: 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

Division: DaNang Air Base, Vietnam

GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Airman Joel E. Talley, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Rescue Specialist (Pararescueman) on an HH-3E Rescue Helicopter of the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action in near Dong Hoi, North Vietnam on 2 July 1968. On that date, Airman Talley volunteered to be lowered to the ground from a hovering helicopter into the jungle of North Vietnam to rescue an injured pilot, who had ejected the previous day. The downed pilot had parachuted into a concentration of North Vietnamese Army regulars who immediately surrounded him and set up gun positions to trap the forthcoming rescue helicopters. Four rescue attempts were driven off, and a supporting fighter aircraft was shot down by devastating ground fire, which encircled the survivor's position. Despite full knowledge of the well-laid trap, Airman Talley voluntarily descended to search the jungle floor. After an extensive search he found the helpless survivor, carried him to the rescue device, and signaled the helicopter to commence extraction. While Airman Talley and the survivor were being hoisted, a fusillade of fire raked the helicopter scoring more than forty hits, forcing the helicopter to exit the area, exposing both airmen to hostile fire. The rescue was successfully accomplished. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Airman Talley reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

SEE MORE RECIPENTS OF THIS AWARD