SSGT TERANCE KAY JENSEN SSGT TERANCE KAY JENSEN

 

01 Jun 2002 "It is better to have lived one day as a lion than one thousand days as a sheep." Inscription on the stone of Lieutenant Colonel Charles G. Clinger, United States Army, Section 8, Arlington National Cemetery CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR (POSTHUMOUS) TO TERANCE K. JENSEN Staff Sergeant Terance K. Jensen distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at DaNang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 1 July 1965. On that date, at approximately 0130 hours, Sergeant Jensen was on routine security patrol when he observed approximately 15 men of a hostile force infiltrating the area. He directed a subordinate air policeman who was on duty in the area to take cover in a nearby bunker and alert Central Security Control of the situation. He dismounted from his vehicle and was immediately wounded by small arms fire. He crawled to the rear of the vehicle, drew his weapon and returned fire. The prompt action of Sergeant Jensen was a dominant factor in causing the enemy to withdraw from the immediate area where approximately 25 unarmed fellow airmen had taken cover. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Jensen has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Robert C. Frink CMSgt USAF (Ret) bobnheln@jps.net

 

16 Apr 2006 Ode to Sergent Terance Jensen In 1965, out of the dark jungle night they came, fifteen Sappers strong, across the live runway, with AK-47's aflame. Some...gave and some gave all! Some shall live forever on that Black Granite Wall. Duty bound was he, out numbered, out gunned...he fought to his last round, in defense of his duty bound. He took a brave stand and fiercely fough in that deadly jungle land. He answered that last duty call and battled them one and all. Sergeant was his title, Terance was his name, Air Policeman was his fame. On that dark jungle night, Terance stood tall and gave his all. He shall be remembered forever on the Hallowed Granite Wall. May his Spirit soar with Eagles. (c) 2006 Jackie R. Kays S/Sgt. USAF DaNang-1965 From a friend and medically retired Air Policeman, Jackie R. Kays jackkays@yahoo.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall The 01 July 1965 sapper attack on Danang Air Base was the second major VC attack on a US air base (the first was at Bien Hoa on 01 Nov 1964). The VC used mortar fire against the southern end of the runway as a diversion, while a sapper unit (estimated at 6 to 8 men) breached the concertina wire barrier at the other end where US C-130s and the alert F-102s were parked. As described above Staff Sergeant Jensen was killed in a shoot-out and is credited with diverting the sappers from USAF living quarters in the area of the breach. The sappers were successful in destroying two C-130s, three F-102s, and two VNAF C-47s and inflicting varying degrees of damage on two dozen other aircraft. SSgt Jensen was the only US fatality in the attack.

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