Colonel Gerald R. Helmich was born on November 12, 1931 in Manchester, New Hampshire. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1954, earning a bachelor’s degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Following his graduation, Colonel Helmich entered active duty at Tucson, Arizona and earned his pilot wings. He spent his early career perfecting his aviation skills as a T-38 instructor pilot, teaching young candidates how to fly at pilot training. As the Vietnam War developed, he was trained in the A-1H Skyraider and became a search and rescue pilot.
Colonel Helmich was serving as the pilot of an A-1H aircraft which was on a rescue mission over Southern Laos on November 12, 1969, when his plane impacted after placing a smoke screen between a rescue helicopter and the enemy forces. He had achieved the rank of major and was declared as missing in action at that time. He remained in that status until September 1, 1978, at which time a final determination was made that Gerald R. Helmich was killed in action. At that time, he was promoted to the rank of colonel. He had served in the United States Air Force for 24 years, with foreign service from March 5, 1963 to April 29, 1964 and from June 3, 1969 to the date of his death.
His Silver Star citation read: “Major Gerald R. Helmich distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force northwest of Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, on 12 November 1969. On that morning, knowing full well the threat to his own survival, Major Helmich volunteered to fly his A-1H Skyraider deep into hostile territory into an area heavily defended by small arms, automatic weapons, 23mm and 37mm anti-aircraft guns, in the attempt to rescue two downed crew members of an F-4D. As he rolled in for the hazardous low level pass to lay down a protective smokescreen which would shield the rescue helicopters from hostile guns, his aircraft was hit and crashed; the rescue mission which was successful and which Major Helmich had insisted on flying had demanded and received his utmost. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Helmich has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”
Colonel Helmich’s decorations include the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross (with One Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Medal (Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster), and the Purple Heart.
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