Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Award of Air Force Cross to Theodore M. Hamlin
Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 23, 2016
1. Award of Air Force Cross to Theodore M. Hamlin Marker
The Air Force Cross
to
Theodore R. Hamlin
Sergeant Theodore R. Hamlin distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a radio operator on 25 October 1969. On that date, Sergeant Hamlin was on the ground operating his radio during a Vietcong mortar attack and in dense ground fog. Despite being wounded, Sergeant Hamlin continued to use his radio to call in rescue helicopters for his more-seriously wounded companions. Once he established radio contact, he made his way to the landing strip where he helped illuminate the area. After helping carry the wounded to the arriving helicopters, the tenacious radio operator refused to leave, instead, Sergeant Hamlin stayed at the site the entire night so he could help his comrades fight off the North Vietnamese assault. His actions aided in the successful evacuation of seven wounded men. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Sergeant Hamlin reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Erected 2006 by Maxwell-Gunter AFSNCOA Class 06-E.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these
this page online
Location. 32° 24.261′ N, 86° 14.973′ 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 Michael E. Fish (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Charles L. Schaub (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Donald G. Smith (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Leroy M. Wright (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 Charles D. McGrath (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Victor R. Adams (here,
Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 23, 2016
2. Wide view of AF Cross memorial plaques.
Regarding Award of Air Force Cross to Theodore M. Hamlin. A combat radio operator, Sgt. Theodore R. Hamlin was trying to coordinate the evacuation of several wounded soldiers in the Vietnamese jungle on the evening of Oct. 25, 1969, when he was hit by enemy gunfire. He disregarded his wounds and finally made radio contact with rescuers. Instead of letting the rescue chopper find the wounded on their own, he went to the landing site and illuminated it. When the helicopter landed, Hamlin helped to carry the wounded soldiers to it but refused to leave with them, choosing to fight side by side with the remaining soldiers for the rest of the night.
Additional commentary.
1. Hamlin versus Gamlin
Many websites and citations shown for Theodore Hamlin show his name as Theodore Gamlin instead. I have been told this error originated from USAF provided listings.
— Submitted June 28, 2016, by Mark Hilton 
of Montgomery, Alabama.
Photographed By USAF Photo, May 4, 2014
3. Theodore M. Hamlin
Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 23, 2016
4. Enlisted Air Force Cross Description
The AF Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy, to any person while serving with the U.S. Air Force, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing enemy force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces, engaged in conflict against an opposing force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. It is awarded for heroic actions second in precedence only to the Medal of Honor and is presented in the name of the President. It was established by Congress by Public Law 88-593 on 6 July 1960.
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 573 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 28, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
