FORT LEWIS, Wash. - A Washington Army National Guard Blackhawk pilot was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on Dec. 5 for conduct that was "nothing less then heroic," according to his citation.
"You do what you're supposed to do when the situation arises," said Chief Warrant Officer Four Noel Larson, who is assigned to C Company, 1-140th Aviation. "It's not one person, it takes the whole aircrew, each one doing their job to make it happen."
On the night of March 25 in an undisclosed location, Larson was the pilot and mission coordinator onboard a UH-60 Blackhawk. The helicopter was configured to perform reconnaissance in direct support of a raid being conducted by coalition forces.
During planning, it became evident that poor weather was going to limit the number of air assets able to support the mission but the command determined that the mission would proceed.
As Larson and his crew arrived over the objective, the restricted visibility from a dust storm made it difficult to gain the normal levels of situational awareness.
From the citation: "Despite the added difficulty, Larson directed a detailed and methodical reconnaissance of the objective area and was able to render a succinct report that enabled the ground force, now moving into the area, to have a better understanding of the terrain and enemy situation. After dismounting, the ground assault force began to deploy into their assault positions."
Shortly after they approached the target building, the enemy opened fire and the assault force took immediate casualties. "As soon as they started taking fire, we were going over our options on how we could help them," Larson said.
The ground force commander immediately called for a medical evacuation (Medevac), but due to the poor weather conditions the Medevac aircraft was unable to fly. It was also located more than an hour away.
It was at this time that Larson and his crew offered themselves as an emergency Medevac platform.
A thorough reconnaissance prior to the assault force's arrival enabled Larson and the crew to provide an immediate course of action to the ground force commander on how to accomplish the Medevac.
Many of the ground force assaulters were heavily engaged and unable to carry the wounded, who were in urgent need of medical attention, so the aircrew selected a landing zone near the objective.
Prior to their descent, the crew discussed the landing direction, hazards, poor visibility, the use of the sensors and enemy activity.
As Larson and the crew descended, the visibility continued to decrease. Below 2,000 feet it was estimated at less then one quarter of a mile.
From the citation: "Through skillful use of the sensors and in concert with impeccable crew coordination, Larson and the aircrew were able to guide the assault force to the selected landing zone while simultaneously maneuvering the aircraft through numerous hazards to include enemy fire and into the landing zone on their first attempt. This excellence in airmanship provided the best possible opportunity for the wounded Soldiers' survival."
After landing, Larson immediately prepared the aircraft for departure.
"We were probably on the ground about five minutes," said Larson. "It's hard to judge the time with so much going on at once."
As the aircraft departed the pick-up zone, the crew immediately transitioned back to ensuring obstacle avoidance and aircraft control.
When clear of the obstacles, the crew proceeded directly to the hospital and after making another descent and landing under less then desirable conditions were able to deliver the wounded to emergency medical care.
While Larson and his crew were busy conducting the emergency Medevac, the Air Force launched search and rescue aircraft to the incident site.
Larson and his crew were then directed to return to their original role of providing reconnaissance for actions on the objective and assisting with further Medevac attempts by the Air Force aircraft.
According to the citation: "Larson's performance during the conduct of this mission was nothing less than heroic. The conditions necessitated that each crew member perform his duties flawlessly, under great pressure and personal danger.
"Without Larson's stellar performance this mission could not have been accomplished. It is for this reason that he is receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross."
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to a member of the U.S. armed forces, who distinguishes themselves by heroism or extraordinary achievement in an aerial flight undertaken voluntarily and beyond the call of duty.