03JUL1951: Serving as a pilot in Helicopter Squadron 2 during the Korean War, LTJG John Koelsch got the call that an American pilot was shot down behind enemy lines and needed rescue. Taking off, Koelsch saw that the low cloud cover meant that he would be without air support if he wanted to actually find the pilot. To see the ground, he had to move under the clouds. That meant the fixed wing support would be unavailable if needed. Moving ahead anyways to save the pilot, Koelsch began taking enemy fire once he made it below the clouds. Moving at slow speeds and unarmed, Koelsch and his craft made for an easy target for the enemy forces dotting the hillsides all around. Eventually spotting the pilot, Koelsch set the craft down and began loading the wounded American. In this process, the helicopter was struck again and was forced to crash into the hillside. Fortunately, all three on board survived. Helping his men from the wreckage, Koelsch led them into the hills where they evaded capture for three days. He then led them towards American lines for six days before they were eventually captured and sent to a POW camp. After being beaten and tortured for months, LTJG John Koelsch would die in captivity on October 16th, 1951. For his brave rescue attempt and will to hold out during captivity, LTJG John Koelsch would be awarded, posthumously, the Medal of Honor.

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