39th ARRS

• Origins and Designation: The 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (ARRS) was originally constituted as the 39th Air Rescue Squadron on October 17, 1952, and activated on November 14, 1952. • Korean War Service: Although activated late in the Korean War, the squadron played a crucial role in search and rescue (SAR) missions, saving downed pilots and aircrew. • Vietnam War Heroics: The 39th ARRS was reactivated and deployed to Southeast Asia, where it became renowned for its daring combat rescue missions, notably operating from Tuy Hoa and Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. • Aircraft Flown: The squadron operated several aircraft types, including the HH-53 “Super Jolly Green Giant” helicopters and the HC-130 Hercules, both vital for long-range rescue missions. • Jolly Green Giants: The HH-53 crews of the 39th adopted the iconic “Jolly Green Giant” call sign, symbolizing hope and salvation for downed airmen. • Notable Mission: On April 2, 1972, a 39th ARRS crew rescued Captain William A. Robinson, the longest-held enlisted POW in American history, after his helicopter was shot down and he was captured in North Vietnam. • "That Others May Live": The squadron’s motto highlights their selfless dedication to rescuing fellow service members under fire, often risking their own lives. • Decorations: The 39th ARRS received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism and performance in combat rescue operations. • Post-Vietnam Operations: After the Vietnam War, the squadron continued SAR operations in the Pacific and supported peacetime missions, including disaster relief and humanitarian aid. • Legacy and Lineage: The 39th ARRS was inactivated and re-designated several times, but its lineage continues today in modern USAF rescue squadrons, who honor the legacy of courage and sacrifice established by the 39th.