KY National Guard History

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1990s

In chronological order.

SFC ROBERT A. BAKER
Company E
135th Aviation Battalion
Kentucky Army National Guard
Frankfort, Kentucky

22 February 1990
For Meritorious act of heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Freidberg, Federal Republic of Germany on 24 May 1988. Upon returning from a nearby town, he came upon a vehicle accident involving two West German Nationals. Without hesitation and complete disregard for the potential hazards of leaking fuel and a small fire, he assisted in rescuing one of the victims from one vehicle, then assisted the local fire department in the other’s rescue. His courageous act and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, reflects great credit upon himself and the Kentucky Army National Guard.

CPT MICHAEL D. SHAIN
Headquarters and Headquarters Company
35th Aviation Brigade
Kentucky Army National Guard
Frankfort, Kentucky

CPT RICKY W. BRANSCUM
Company E
135th Aviation Battalion
Kentucky Army National Guard
Frankfort, Kentucky

MG ROBERT L. DeZARN
The Adjutant General
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Headquarters, STARC
Kentucky National Guard
Frankfort, Kentucky

07 December 1992
For heroism involving voluntary risk of life on 7 August 1992 following the crash of the Governor's helicopter in Shelby County, Kentucky on which he was a passenger. Although injured and soaked with fuel, MG DeZarn notified emergency officials and offered aid to fellow passengers. MG DeZarn's courageous actions and concern for his fellow man brings great credit to him and the Kentucky National Guard.

CW4 SANFORD LOGAN WEILER, JR.
Retired
Kentucky Army National Guard
Frankfort, Kentucky

18 October 1992
For courageous and valorous achievement displayed 7 August 1992 during crash landing of Governor's helicopter in Shelby County, Kentucky on which he was flight captain. His applied skills are credited with helping prevent explosive impact and thus saving the lives of all on board. CW4 Weiler's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Kentucky National Guard.

CW4 JAMES E. CARY
Company E
135th Aviation Brigade, 35th ID (M)
Kentucky Army National Guard
Frankfort, Kentucky

07 December 1992
For distinguishing himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty during in-flight emergency, and crash of Governor's helicopter, 7 August 1992.

SMS DAVID F. POPE
123rd Support Flight
Kentucky Air National Guard
Louisville, Kentucky

06 October 1993
Senior Master Sergeant David F. Pope distinguished himself by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty. Sergeant Pope was a Lieutenant in the Jefferson County Police Department. On Saturday, 8 August 1992, several inches of rain had fallen causing flooding in low-lying areas. Anticipating a heightened level of activity, Sergeant Pope, who was in an off-duty status, went to the heliport to assist the on-duty helicopter pilot. They responded to a request for assistance from the Henryville, Indiana Fire Department. Sergeant Pope observed two people, in rising water, standing on top of a vehicle. Once the pilot was able to stabilize the helicopter, Sergeant Pope got out onto the skid of the machine, reached out and brought the individuals into the helicopter. Once they had delivered the two people to EMS, they returned to the area to attempt another rescue. In an area surrounded by trees, two individuals had been trapped in a vehicle by rapidly moving water . Divers had been trying unsuccessfully for over an hour to rescue these people from what appeared to be imminent drowning. The pilot hovered next to the trees and positioned the helicopter between two partially submerged vehicles. Once the machine was stabilized, Sergeant Pope again moved out onto the skid and was able to lift the people into the helicopter. Using his knowledge as a helicopter pilot, well aware of its limitations, and without regard for his personal safety, Sergeant Pope was able to rescue four people from almost certain death in the rising flood waters. Sergeant Pope's acts of valor sets him apart as a true hero. His distinctive accomplishments reflect great credit upon himself, the Kentucky Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force.

TSG MARTIN E. FAUTZ
123rd Civil Engineer Squadron
Kentucky Air National Guard
Louisville, Kentucky

14 February 1995
Technical Sergeant Fautz distinguished himself for heroism involving voluntary risk of his own life in Louisville, Kentucky. Sergeant Fautz, a volunteer fire fighter, without regard for his own personal well-being, responded to a call of a burning house at 5222 Monticello Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky, on the night of 21 October 1994. A six-year-old child was trapped inside the house. Upon learning that a child was trapped inside the burning house, Sergeant Fautz and a fellow fire fighter, entered the ho me, working their way though dense smoke and intense flames to locate the child, and on hands and knees brought him to safety. Sergeant Fautz's courageous actions and humanitarian regard for his fellow man has reflected great credit upon himself and the Kentucky Air National Guard.

SGT ROBERT EARL WITHROW
Company B
206th Engineer Battalion
Kentucky Army National Guard
Carlisle, Kentucky

25 January 1996
For heroism involving the risk of his own life. On Saturday, 4 November 1995, at approximately 0715 hours, Sergeant Withrow witnessed a vehicle leave the road and overturn into a creek coming to rest on its top in approximately three feet of water. With total disregard to below freezing temperatures and his own personal safety, Sergeant Withrow ran to the scene and leaped into the water where he discovered the driver in a state of panic, fighting very hard to open the vehicle door. Sergeant Withrow forced the passenger door open after failing to open the driver side door. Sergeant Withrow then carried the driver, who was having difficulty breathing to the edge of the creek, after ensuring the driver was then breathing better, he ran to a nearby service station to call for help. His courageous efforts and concern for his fellow man is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the Kentucky Army National Guard.

SSGT STEPHEN W. SNAWDER
123rd Aircraft Generation Squadron
Kentucky Air National Guard
Louisville, Kentucky

09 June 1997
Staff Sergeant Snawder distinguished himself for his selfless act of courage in risking his life to search a burning home of a neighbor for fire victims. While returning home from attending the NCO Academy satellite class, Sergeant Snawder observed dense smoke coming from the house. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he made a search of the first floor, called the fire department, and climbed a ladder to the second floor when flames impeded his ability to use the stairs. Sergeant Snawder proceeded to turn off a threatening propane gas tank and began saving valuable property in the house prior to the arrival of the fire department. Sergeant Snawder's unselfish act of courage reflect great credit upon himself, the Kentucky Air National Guard and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.