| Arthur N. Black |
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| Rank, Service |
| Major O-4, U.S. Air Force |
| Veteran of: |
U.S. Air Force 1963-1987
Cold War 1963-1987
Vietnam War 1965-1973 (POW)
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| Tribute: |
Arthur Black was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 1944. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on January 16, 1963, and was trained as a Pararescueman. On September 20, 1965, the helicopter Airman Black was aboard was brought down by hostile fire and he was taken as a Prisoner of War by the North Vietnamese. He was held for 2,702 days and was released during Operation Homecoming on February 12, 1973. Black was one of several enlisted POWs that received Presidential commissions when they returned. He later went through pilot training and retired from the Air Force on February 1, 1987.His Air Force Cross Citation reads: The Air Force Cross is presented to Arthur Neil Black, Airman Third Class, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Pararescueman on an HH-43B 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 crewmember if successful recovery was to be effected. Though exposed to intensive hostile ground fire, Airman Black, with complete 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 in the face of the enemy, Airman Black reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. |
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