Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Award of Air Force Cross to Larry W. Maysey
The Air Force Cross
to
Larry W. Maysey
Sergeant Larry W. Maysey distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force asa HH-3E Rescue Specialist in Southeast Asia on 9 November 1967. On that date, Sergeant Maysey attempted the night extraction of a ground reconnaissance team after his helicopter had been severely damaged. Two other helicopters had been shot down and a third extensively damaged in previous attempts. During the rescue attempt, Sergeant Maysey unhesitatingly exposed himself to the hail of hostile fire to assist wounded survivors into the helicopter. The hostile forces closed in quickly, and as the damaged helicopter departed, it was shot down. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Sergeant Maysey reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Erected 2005 by Maxwell-Gunter AFSNCOA Class 05-C.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Vietnam. In addition, it is included in the Distinguished Service Cross/Navy Cross/Air Force Cross Recipients series list.
Location. 32° 24.253′ N, 86° 14.968′ W. Marker is in Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex, Alabama, in Montgomery County. Memorial can be reached from the intersection of McDonald Street and Avenue D. Located at the USAF Senior NCO Academy & Enlisted Heritage Hall at the Gunter Annex and requires base access. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 550 McDonald St, Montgomery AL 36114, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Award of Air Force Cross to Eugene L. Clay (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Richard L. Etchberger (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Duane D. Hackney (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Russell M. Hunt (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Dennis M. Richardson (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to William H. Pitsenbarger (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Nacey Kent Jr (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Arthur N. Black (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex.
Regarding Award of Air Force Cross to Larry W. Maysey. On Nov. 9, 1967, 37th ARRS pararescue specialist Sgt. Larry W. Maysey and the crew of HH-3 Jolly Green 26 attempted the night extraction of ground reconnaissance team members during heavy enemy fire. Another Jolly Green on the mission picked up three recon members before it was driven off by hostile fire. As Jolly Green 26 attempted to pick up the remaining two recon troops, hostile fire continued, but Maysey assisted in getting the recon members on board. Jolly Green 26 was hit by automatic weapons fire and burst into flames, killing Maysey, two other crew members (including the other enlisted Air Force Cross recipient on the mission, SSgt. Eugene L. Clay), and the two recon team members.
Sergeant Maysey was awarded the Air Force Cross posthumously, and his remains were never recovered.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Also killed, and a recipient of the AF Cross, was the flight engineer, Eugene Clay.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 407 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 30, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.