Carl Richard Huttula

Army /

Carl Richard Huttula

Our Hero is our brother and son, Carl R. Huttula. He was killed on May 16, 1968 in VietNam. Carl was awarded the Silver Star, posthumously. He earned this award – in the words of Carl’s citation:

For gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force: Specialist Four Huttula distinguished himself while serving as an observer on an OH-6A Scout helicopter. His mission was an aerial reconnaissance near Moc Hoa, Republic of Vietnam, to pinpoint enemy locations. The scout team located a possible enemy stronghold and a special infantry force was airlifted into the area for a search and destroy operation. The infantry became pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire from three sides of their position. An American advisor was seriously wounded and in need of immediate medical evacuation. An OH-6A was sent to evacuate him and as the helicopter was about to take off, it came under intense ground fire and crashed. Specialist Four Huttula’s aircraft landed near the downed helicopter. Despite the enemy automatic weapons fire, he leaped from his aircraft and ran across the field to help the injured crew. While assisting the injured crew back to his aircraft, Specialist Huttula was mortally wounded. Through his courage and personal bravery, he was directly responsible for saving the lives of the downed crew. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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