Michael J. Novosel (September 3, 1922 – April 2, 2006) 

Michael J. Novosel was born 3 September 1922, in Etna, PA. He developed an early fascination with aviation, taking flying lessons before joining the military. He earned a private pilot's license at age 16.

In 1942, 10 months before the bombing of Pearl Harbor, HI, Novosel enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps (later U.S. Air Force) with the 479th Fighter Group, 436th Fighter Squadron. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He completed flight training and earned his pilot wings in 1943. He served as a P-38 Lightning fighter pilot in the European Theater of Operations (primarily Italy and Southern France). He flew 67 combat missions, primarily providing fighter escort for bombers over Germany, France, and Italy. His rank at end of WWII was First Lieutenant.

After the war, Novosel remained in the Army Air Forces (later the U.S. Air Force) and participated in the occupation of Germany. He became interested in the emerging field of helicopter aviation and transitioned to rotary-wing flight training.

During the Korean War (1950-1952), with 57th Medical Company (Helicopter), 1st Medical Battalion, Novosel served as a H-13 Sioux helicopter pilot, primarily performing medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions. This experience laid the foundation for his later heroism in Vietnam. He flew numerous dangerous missions, rescuing wounded soldiers from the battlefield.

In 1952, after a decade of service, Novosel retired from the Army with the rank of Captain. He pursued a civilian career contributing to the development of new helicopter designs, and as a test pilot and flight instructor for Bell Helicopter Corporation.

As the conflict in Vietnam escalated in the early 1960s, Novosel became increasingly concerned about the welfare of American soldiers. He felt a strong desire to return to service and use his skills to help them.

In 1964, at the age of 41 – and *after* having already retired – Novosel made the extraordinary decision to re-enlist in the Army. He specifically requested a return to flying helicopters in Vietnam. This was a highly unusual move, and he accepted a reduction in rank to Warrant Officer to make it happen. He stated that he felt compelled to return and help the soldiers fighting in Vietnam.

Novosel arrived in Vietnam in February 1965, assigned to the same unit that he was in during the Korean War, 1st Medical Battalion, 57th Medical Company, 101st Airborne Division. He flew the UH-1D Huey, over 1,600 MEDEVAC missions in Vietnam, saving the lives of countless soldiers. His rank at the end of Vietnam Service was Chief Warrant Officer Four (CW4)

During his later Army career CW4 Michael J. Novosel served as a Flight Instructor and Aviation Safety Officer at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (Fort Rucker, Alabama) from 1973 until his final retirement on Nov, 30, 1984. He used his extensive experience – from WWII through Vietnam – to train the next generation of Army aviators and promote flight safety. This assignment allowed him to continue serving his country even after his combat tours were complete. He retired with more than 30 years of combined service.

After retiring from the Army, Novosel spent much time on the lecture circuit, discussing his autobiography titled "Dustoff: The Memoir of an Army Helicopter Pilot" which was published in 2000. In the book, he recounts his incredible life and career, from his early days as a fighter pilot in World War II to his heroic MEDEVAC missions in Korea and Vietnam. He details the harrowing experiences of rescuing wounded soldiers under fire and shares his thoughts on courage, duty, and the importance of service. It's a highly recommended read for anyone interested in military history, aviation, or the stories of true American heroes.

Since retirement, he never wavered in his support of the Army or its troops—not even when he became ill with cancer. "Even when he was in bad health, he would constantly honor those calls for appearances and speaking engagements," said Skippy Cassel, a former Golden Knight skydiver and Army pilot. "You'd never know anything was wrong. He was really an ambassador for Army aviation. He just loved Army aviation."

CW4 Michael J. Novosel passed away on April 2, 2006, at the age of 83. He died at his home in Fairhope, Alabama, from complications related to age, buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. He was predeceased by his wife, the former June Street, in 2011. His passing marked the loss of a true American hero and a legend in Army aviation.

He received numerous accolades and honors throughout his life, including parades, awards ceremonies, and recognition from government officials. The Novosel Army Aviation Museum at Fort Rucker, Alabama, is named in his honor. He became a strong advocate for veterans' rights and worked to improve medical care for those injured in combat. His story of selfless service and unwavering courage continues to inspire soldiers and veterans

today. Michael J. Novosel remains one of the most highly decorated helicopter pilots in U.S. Army history.

His service during WWII demonstrated his early aptitude for flying and courage under pressure. He was credited with shooting down one German fighter aircraft. In Vietnam he quickly became one of the most respected and courageous helicopter pilots in the region, flying countless MEDEVAC missions. He routinely flew into extremely dangerous landing zones (LZs) under heavy enemy fire to extract wounded soldiers. Novosel’s helicopter was repeatedly hit by enemy fire, but he consistently maintained control and completed his missions. He often landed in areas that other pilots avoided, risking his own life to save others.

He received the Medal of Honor on 2 October 1969 in Kien Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam. While serving as a Dustoff pilot, Novosel responded to a call for medical evacuation of several severely wounded soldiers near the Cambodian border. The landing zone was under intense enemy fire, and the lead helicopter had been shot down. Despite the extreme danger, Novosel fearlessly flew his helicopter into the LZ, landing amidst a hail of bullets. He and his crew evacuated one critically wounded soldier, then returned repeatedly, extracting a total of 15 wounded soldiers. During these missions, his helicopter sustained heavy damage, but he continued to fly until all the wounded were safely evacuated. The citation highlights his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Novosel earned numerous other awards during the Vietnam War, including: Distinguished Flying Cross (with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters); Bronze Star Medal (with 1 Silver Cluster and 1 Oak Leaf Cluster); Purple Heart (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Medal (with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters), Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

Michael J. Novosel was a highly decorated United States Army aviator who served with distinction in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He is most renowned for his extraordinary courage and skill as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, where he repeatedly flew into intense combat zones to rescue wounded soldiers, often under heavy enemy fire. His selfless dedication earned him the Medal of Honor, as well as numerous other awards and commendations. What makes his story even more remarkable is that he re-enlisted in the Army *after* retiring, specifically to return to Vietnam and fly medical evacuation missions.