Freddie Neil Haynes
Specialist Four, U.S. Army

On 12 November 1969, Specialist Four Freddie Neil Haynes was serving with 57th Aviation Company, 52nd Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, in South Vietnam.

On that day, SPC4 Haynes was a doorgunner on a transport helicopter supporting the 5th Special Forces. While at the encampment at Dak Pek, the crews of 4 helicopters came under an enemy mortar attack. When the initial incoming round wounded 4 pilots, SPC4 Haynes went to their assistance and helped them to seek shelter in a slight depression in the ground. As the shells continued to pound the area, SPC4 Haynes ran into the open to prepare 2 aircraft for take-off. One of the helicopters received a direct mortar hit, and although wounded by shrapnel, SPC4 Haynes approached the burning ship and extracted the injured pilot. Minutes later, as he was helping the wounded pilot aboard a second craft, SPC4 Haynes was fatally wounded. SPC4 Haynes extraordinary heroism, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Army Aviation Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Freddie Neil Haynes, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 57th Aviation Company, 52d Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. Specialist Fourth Class Haynes distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 November 1969 while serving as doorgunner on a transport helicopter supporting the 5th Special Forces. While at the encampment at Dak Pek, the crews of four helicopters came under intense enemy mortar attack. When the initial incoming round wounded four pilots, Specialist Haynes immediately went to their assistance and helped them to seek shelter in a slight depression in the ground. As the shells continued to pound the area, Specialist Haynes ran into the open to prepare two aircraft for take-off. One of the helicopters received a direct mortar hit, and although wounded by shrapnel, Specialist Haynes approached the burning ship and extracted the injured pilot. Minutes later as he was helping the wounded pilot aboard a second craft, Specialist Haynes was fatally wounded. Specialist Fourth Class Haynes extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 381 (February 11, 1970)

Honors

The name Freddie N Haynes is located on Panel 16W Line 64 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Specialist Four Freddie Neil Haynes is buried at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Redwood, Warren County, MS.

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