(CBS) A lot of American tourists come to London hoping to catch a glimpse of the Queen. But Maj. William Cheserak is no tourist: He’s a hero, CBS News correspondent Mark Phillips reports.
Cheserak, a U.S. Marine pilot, was honored on Wednesday in a way no American has been since the Second World War. He was awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross — the most prestigious medal for airborne service the British have.
“I was overwhelmed, quite surprised,” Chesarak says.
Chesarek was serving as an exchange helicopter pilot in Iraq with a British Naval Air Squadron, flying cover for a ground patrol when it came under intense fire.
“I did basically a run into the town, low level,” he explains, adding that he preferred to not necessarily draw fire.
But draw fire he did, with one rocket round just missing him. Despite that, Chesarek then flew into the fight to evacuate a severely wounded British soldier, likely saving his life. He didn’t think he did anything extraordinary.
OORAH!
Hat tip: Bull Nav at Op-For
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Wow. He’s the man.
/putting on liberal thinking cap
He was fighting an illegal war for oil that we are losing (yes some Democrat leaders told me this) and that we were lied to in order to justify the war. President Bush should be impeached
/end liberal thinking cap
He deserved the honor.
Comment by Baklava @ 3/22/2007 - 12:40 pm
Nicely done, Major! You truly represent the best our country has to offer!!
Comment by NC Cop @ 3/22/2007 - 6:27 pm