Ubon hero puts life on line,
saves two young Thai girls.

UBON RTAFB, Thailand 21 Aug 19 1970 - SSgt.  Robert L. Diekmann is a hero.  He fits the stereotype image of the hero cool, reserved and humble.  But on Aug. 21, 1970, he put his life on the line.  The 26-year-old NCO saved two young Thai girls who were trapped in a second floor room after an Ubon F-4D Phantom crashed into the lower floor of their home.

In recognition of his actions, Col.  Larry M. Killpack, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing commander, presented the Airman's Medal to Sergeant Diekmann at special ceremonies in Wing Headquarters March 24.

On Aug. 21, Sergeant Diekmann, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with the 408th Munitions Maintenance Squadron, and SMSgt.  Charles HalIgren, NCOIC of EOD, were riding towards the main gate after finishing their regular shift.

"The truck's crash radio suddenly

reported that an F-4 had overshot the runway and crashed into a two-story house at the base perimeter," recounted Sergeant Diekmann.

"We went to the crash site right away.  The aircraft was right in the house, the nose was sticking out of one end and the tail out the other.  There were pools of JP-4 fuel all over the floor and we expected fire to break out.

"Sergeant Hallgren immediately went to the aid of the crew and I started looking for any people who might have been in the house.  Someone was shouting that there were two girls somewhere upstairs.  I jumped up on part of the second floor which had collapsed on top of the aircraft fuselage and climbed up to the second floor.

"The room was locked, so I broke
the  door in and found the two girls,
one  about 19 years old and the other
13. They were scared, and refused to
leave the room.  When I couldn't persuade
 them to leave I had to carry them out bodily.

"I've been involved in crash site actions before," said Sergeant Diekmann, "but it sure makes you feel good to get them out alive."

Contributed by Andy Anderson, 497th TFS.

 02/09/06