U.S. Navy Commander Clyde E. Lassen served his country valiantly as a helicopter pilot during a period of uncertainty and great unrest in America's history. Lassen, a native of Fort Myers, Florida, was born in 1942. Shortly after graduating high school in Venice, Florida, Lassen enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a seaman recruit in 1961. After intense helicopter training at Naval Air Station Pensacola and Whiting Field, he received a commission as an ensign in 1965.

In 1968, Lieutenant Lassen served with squadron HC-7, Detachment 104 in Vietnam. His most difficult mission occurred on June 18, 1968. On that night, Lassen launched from his vessel in the Gulf of Tonkin to rescue downed servicemen Lieutenant Commanders John W. Holtzclaw and John A. Burns. Viet Cong forces shot down Holtzclaw and Burns' F-4J Phantom with a surface-to-air-missile, stranding the men with little hope of rescue.

The dense foliage and heavy enemy fire made it extremely dangerous and difficult to complete the rescue, but Lassen was persistent. With little fuel, Lassen continued his rescue mission and was successful. He returned the downed men to the USS Jouett and received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions.

Lassen was the first Naval Aviator to receive the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry in Vietnam. He remained in the Navy following Vietnam and retired as a Commander in 1992. He resided in Pensacola following his retirement until his death in 1994. On April 21, 2001, the Navy commissioned the USS Lassen, an Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer, in honor of the esteemed Naval Commander. Commander Clyde E. Lassen risked his life for the safety of others and the safety of this nation.

Written and Researched by Kathleen Zielinski