Master Sergeant Lewis Brabham
Citation for the Award of the Silver Star
Master Sergeant Lewis O. Brabham, Jr. distinguished himself in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 29 April 1975.
On that date, amid heavy mortar, rocket, and artillery fire, and with chaos on the airfield, Sergeant Brabham supervised the combat control element providing the forward intelligence and air traffic control in the emergency evacuation operation. While the airfield was being over run, and under intense enemy fire, with total disregard for his own safety Sergeant Brabham traversed exposed runway and taxiways in order to evacuate a fellow combat controller. After withdrawing from the airfield, he controlled the helicopter landing zone at the Defense Attache Office compound to evacuate Vietnamese and Americans, further exposing himself to danger.
His decisions and actions during the evacuation resulted in the saving of lives and military aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Brabham has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
