1LT ATIS KARLIS LIELMANIS

ATIS KARLIS LIELMANIS

Air Force Cross Citation
Air Force Cross Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Atis Karlis Lielmanis (AFSN: 0-3102782), United States Air Force (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an Advisor-Navigator of a B-26B aircraft in the 1st Air Commando Squadron, 34th Tactical Group, Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam, in action on 24 November 1963 in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Lieutenant Lielmanis voluntarily exposed himself during a low level flight over hidden Viet Cong machine gun installations. Their fire badly damaged the aircraft, and it crashed, but this revealed the Viet Cong positions and resulted in their destruction by cover aircraft. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, First Lieutenant Lielmanis reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Action Date: November 24, 1963 Service: Air Force Rank: First Lieutenant Company: 1st Air Commando Squadron Regiment: 34th Tactical Group Division: Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam
Nov 24, 2014

Rob Pearce
Marine Sgt Nam 66'67'
Remembering a fellow Pa Vet on the date of his loss. Rest In peace.
Nov 24, 2014

Edward Henry
Edwardntx@att.net
Fellow Veteran
5814, Bayside Drive, Fort Worth, TX., 76132, USA
Rest Well, Hero
I honor, your service and your sacrifice. I came home, safe, from the war, I'm sorry, you did not. You, are not forgotten. May you, rest in peace.
Sep 13, 2009

Malcolm Kirby
mlkdrk@earthlink.net
USAF Veteran
Rest in Peace, my Brother
You will not be forgotten...
Jan 2, 2008

manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. “He which hath no stomach, to this fight, let him depart. But we in it, shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless you, for your Sacrifice!!!
Nov 24, 2007

Bill Gallenstein
USAF Veteran
Zephyrhills FL 33541 USA
A very proud cold war USAF veteran remembers you on this day. My God bless you and your family always. I salute you, Thank you.
Apr 25, 2007

Sandy S
None
Not Forgotten
Today, would be, your 65th, birthday. May you, rest in peace. Thank you, for making the ultimate sacrifice, for our country. You, are not forgotten.
Sunday, January 02, 2005

Ronald Azarcon
azarcon@jps.net
B-26, navigator, in 1st, Air Commando, Sq., unit, in which Lt., Lielmanis served, in Vietnam.
165, Blackstone Drive, Danville, CA., 94506,
Sunday, 11/24/63. Atis was, the navigator, on a B-26, piloted by Capt., Howard Cody. They were providing air support, for ground troops, trying, to retake an overrun Fort, south, of Ca Mau. After the downing, of their aircraft, numerous B-26's, T-28's and RVN., AD's., were diverted, or launched, in support, of 20, helicopters and a number of C-123's, which delivered, over 500, troops, to the area, in an attempt to recue, the 3, crew members. Rescuers only found the body, of Lt., Lielmanis. A total, of 23, aircraft, were hit, by VC., ground fire, while participating, in the operation. Intelligence reported, that friendlies witnessed the VC., carting off approximately 200, dead, or wounded.
Friday, February 26, 1999