US Air Force Capt Hilliard Wilbanks: Medal of Honor Recipient Vietnam War As a Forward Air Controller with the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, Captain Wilbanks was flying a lightly armed O-1 Bird Dog aircraft to direct air strikes and provide reconnaissance during an assault near Dalat. While flying low to mark enemy positions, he spotted a large force of Viet Cong preparing to ambush a small unit of South Vietnamese Rangers. Unable to contact friendly forces in time, and with no heavy weapo