Frederick Edgar Ferguson
Major, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Vietnam War

Frederick Edgar Ferguson is a former U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Frederick Edgar Ferguson was born on 18 August 1939, in Pilot Point, TX. He joined the Army from Phoenix, Arizona in 1958, and on 31 January 1968, was a chief warrant officer in command of a helicopter as part of Company C, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). On that day, Ferguson voluntarily piloted his aircraft through intense enemy fire to rescue the crew and passengers of a downed helicopter in Huế, Republic of Vietnam. For his heroic actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. CWO Ferguson, U.S. Army distinguished himself while serving with Company C. CWO Ferguson, commander of a resupply helicopter monitoring an emergency call from wounded passengers and crewmen of a downed helicopter under heavy attack within the enemy controlled city of Hue, unhesitatingly volunteered to attempt evacuation. Despite warnings from all aircraft to stay clear of the area due to heavy antiaircraft fire, CWO Ferguson began a low-level flight at maximum airspeed along the Perfume River toward the tiny, isolated South Vietnamese Army compound in which the crash survivors had taken refuge. Coolly and skillfully maintaining his course in the face of intense, short range fire from enemy occupied buildings and boats, he displayed superior flying skill and tenacity of purpose by landing his aircraft in an extremely confined area in a blinding dust cloud under heavy mortar and small-arms fire. Although the helicopter was severely damaged by mortar fragments during the loading of the wounded, CWO Ferguson disregarded the damage and, taking off through the continuing hail of mortar fire, he flew his crippled aircraft on the return route through the rain of fire that he had experienced earlier and safely returned his wounded passengers to friendly control. CWO Ferguson's extraordinary determination saved the lives of 5 of his comrades. His actions are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself and the U.S. Army.

Frederick Ferguson retired from the U.S. Army in 1982 as a Major.

Medals, Awards & Badges

Medal of Honor
Silver Star Medal
Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze Star Medal
Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device and 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Master Aviator Badge