1967: A1C Duane D. Hackney (ARRS) became the first living enlisted man to receive an Air Force Cross for his heroic efforts to rescue a pilot downed North Vietnam’s jungles. On February 6, 1967, Airman Second Class Hackney, flying in an unarmed HH-3E Jolly Green Giant helicopter, was tasked to locate and rescue an O-1F pilot who was shot down over North Vietnam. Hackney was a United States Air Force pararescueman. He was the most decorated enlisted man in USAF history and the recipient of 28 decorations for valor in combat and more than 70 awards and decorations in all. He served in the Air Force from 1965 to 1991, retiring as a chief master sergeant. A recipient of the Air Force Cross, he was the first living enlisted man to receive the medal, and at the time of its award he was its youngest recipient. (USAF Image)