Staff Sgt. John D. Harston Air Force Cross, 1975 John Harston was a flight mechanic aboard a CH-53 helicopter which was shot down during the Mayaguez rescue. Though wounded and dazed from the crash, he laid down effective covering fire with a rifle salvaged from the burning wreck. At great risk to himself, he also pulled a number of wounded Marines to safety. Click here to return to the Distinguished Enlisted Overview. Find Out More Related Fact Sheets Final Combat: The Mayaguez Incident at Koh Tang Note: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the National Museum of the USAF, the U.S. Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external website, or the information, products or services contained therein.