Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Award of Air Force Cross to Arthur N. Black
Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 23, 2016
1. Award of Air Force Cross to Arthur N. Black Marker
The Air Force Cross
to
Arthur M. Black
Airman Third Class Arthur M. Black distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an Aircrew Member of an HH-43E helicopter over North Vietnam on 20 September 1965. On that date, Airman Black participated in an extremely hazardous attempted recovery of a downed pilot. This mission required a flight of over 80 miles, mostly over hostile controlled territory. Evaluation of the environment in which the downed pilot was located indicated that maximum performance would be demanded from each crew member if successful recovery was to be effected. Though exposed to intensive hostile ground fire, Airman Black, with completed disregard for his own safety, performed with courage and professional precision in a supreme effort to rescue a fallen comrade. Airman Black's courageous action and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the American fighting man under attack by an opposing armed force. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness, Airman Black reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Erected
this page online
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° 24.251′ N, 86° 14.965′ 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 William A. Robinson (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 William H. Pitsenbarger (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 Larry W. Maysey (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 Richard L. Etchberger (a few steps from this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Dennis M. Richardson
Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 23, 2016
2. Wide view of AF Cross memorial plaques.
More about this marker. Although the plaque and citation show his name as Arthur M. Black, his name is Arthur Neil Black.
Regarding Award of Air Force Cross to Arthur N. Black. A3C Arthur Neil Black, a pararescueman aboard a 38th Air Rescue Squadron HH-43B, was on a rescue mission to recover a downed pilot about 40 miles south of Vinh, North Vietnam, on Sept. 20, 1965. The rescue team found the pilot, but as they attempted to hoist him up into the aircraft, the helicopter was shot down. The entire crew was captured. Black and fellow Air Force Cross recipient A1C William A. Robinson, a flight engineer on the same helicopter, were POWs until their release in February 1973.
He was one of three enlisted POWs that received Presidential commissions when they returned, after having been commissioned by the POW Camp leadership in Hanoi. He retired as a Major from the Air Force on February 1, 1987.
Also see . . . Arthur Neil Black. Veteran Tributes website entry (Submitted on May 24, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By USAF Photo
3. Major Arthur Neil Black
Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 29, 2016
4. AF Cross exhibit located at nearby Enlisted Heritage Hall.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 740 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 29, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
