Born: July 26, 1933
War: Vietnam
Rank: Captain, U.S. Air Force
Location of Action: Near Dalat, Republic of Vietnam
Date of Action: February 24, 1967
Official Medal of Honor Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. As a forward air controller Capt. Wilbanks
was pilot of an unarmed, light aircraft flying visual reconnaissance ahead of a South Vietnam
Army Ranger Battalion.
His intensive search revealed a well-concealed and numerically superior hostile force poised to
ambush the advancing rangers. The Viet Cong, realizing that Capt. Wilbanks' discovery had
compromised their position and ability to launch a surprise attack, immediately fired on the
small aircraft with all available firepower. The enemy then began advancing against the
exposed forward elements of the ranger force which were pinned down by devastating fire.
Capt. Wilbanks recognized that close support aircraft could not arrive in time to enable the
rangers to withstand the advancing enemy, onslaught. With full knowledge of the limitations of
his unarmed, unarmored, light reconnaissance aircraft, and the great danger imposed by the
enemy's vast firepower, he unhesitatingly assumed a covering, close support role.
Flying through a hail of withering fire at treetop level, Capt. Wilbanks passed
directly over the advancing enemy and inflicted many casualties by firing his rifle out of the side
window of his aircraft. Despite increasingly intense antiaircraft fire, Capt. Wilbanks
continued to completely disregard his own safety and made repeated low passes over the enemy to
divert their fire away from the rangers.
His daring tactics successfully interrupted the enemy advance, allowing the rangers to
withdraw to safety from their perilous position. During his final courageous attack to
protect the withdrawing forces, Capt. Wilbanks was mortally wounded and his
bullet-riddled aircraft crashed between the opposing forces. Capt. Wilbanks' magnificent action
saved numerous friendly personnel from certain injury or death.
His unparalleled concern for his fellow man and his extraordinary heroism were in the
highest traditions of the military service, and have reflected great credit upon
himself and the U.S. Air Force.
HILLIARD A. WILBANKS
