DAYTON, Ohio - A Vietnam-era USAF pararescuman, or "PJ," prepares a wounded soldier for helicopter evacuation in a diorama in the Southeast Asia War Gallery. PJs often descended into combat situations to aid the wounded.

Pararescuemen (also known as Pararescue Jumpers or PJs) are United States Air Force special operators who conduct personnel recovery and combat search and rescue operations as well as other missions for the U.S. military and its allies.

In Vietnam, the USAF refined its rescue techniques and organization, greatly improving chances that downed airmen and wounded soldiers would survive. The blood-red beret, symbolizing sacrifice, has been the pararescueman or "PJ" (for parajumper) mark of …

2017年5月25日 · Andy Sparks joined the Air Force in 1966, two years after graduating from high school. He initially served as a mechanic before transitioning to Para-Rescue at Hurlburt Field, in Florida. He deployed to Vietnam for 90 days at a time from Hurlburt during the years 1967-1969, and was stationed along the Laotian border.

The Vietnam War > veteran > Pararescue in Southeast Asia – Ember C. Our job was to rescue downed pilots and other personnel that were in harm’s way and needed help. If a pilot was shot down...

Pararescuemen or “PJs” (for Para Jumpers), served a unique mission in SEA. As highly trained medical technicians combined with advanced tactical skills, they proved invaluable during evacuation and rescue missions.

2009年11月9日 · During the Vietnam War, U.S. Air Force Pararescue Jumpers trained for and undertook daring missions to rescue downed airmen in enemy territory. Vietnam magazine presents a photo selection of the U.S. Air Force Pararescue Jumpers in action.

2019年3月22日 · During the Vietnam War, the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service “became the greatest combat aircrew recovery force in the history of aerial warfare,” said Tilford. However, the operations had been against lightly armed forces in an area with geographic features favorable to search and recovery.

Search and rescue flourished during World War II as lifeguard ships and submarines joined patrolling aircraft in saving lives and sustaining morale, especially in the Pacific Ocean Areas. The rotary-wing, turbojet, and avionics revolutions made modern SAR a reality.

The Vietnam War was a pivotal conflict for the Pararescue teams. The Air Force's scope of operations became so large that demand for Pararescue teams expanded as well. The use of helicopters caused new tactics utilizing the speed, distance, and support they could provide.