Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Award of Air Force Cross to Nacey Kent Jr
The Air Force Cross
to
Nacey Kent Jr
Sergeant Nacey Kent Jr, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an AC-47 Flight Engineer near Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam on 5 May 1968. On that date, Sergeant Kent and the AC-47 crew were defending Pleiku Air Base against a hostile mortar and rocket attack when their aircraft was critically damaged by a hostile projectile. Although Sergeant Kent's leg was broken in the ensuing crash, he helped the enlisted crew to evacuate, reentered the burning aircraft to carry the seriously wounded navigator to safety, and then entered the aircraft again to aid the other crew members and to fight the fire. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness, Sergeant Kent reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Erected 2005 by Maxwell-Gunter AFSNCOA Class 05-D.
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° 24.256′ N, 86° 14.971′ 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 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 Richard L. Etchberger (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Joel E. Talley (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Thomas A. Newman (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 Victor R. Adams (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Charles D. King (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Eugene L. Clay (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Larry W. Maysey (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 Nacey Kent Jr. On May 5, 1968, Sgt. Nacey Kent Jr., an AC-47 flight engineer, and fellow crew members were defending Pleiku AB, South Vietnam, against enemy attack when their aircraft was critically damaged by enemy fire. Even though Kent suffered a broken leg in the ensuing crash landing, he helped other enlisted crew members evacuate and re-entered the burning aircraft to carry the severely wounded navigator to safety. Kent then boarded the aircraft again to assist other crew members and fight the fire.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 460 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 28, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.