Butch Verich was born in Laona, Wisconsin in 1932 of Serb-Montenegrin ancestory. In 1967, Lieutenant Commander Butch Verich, along with two other VF-162 F-8s attacked enemy flack sites ahead of an A-4 strike. Official language(s) None Capital Madison Largest city Milwaukee Area  - Total  - Width  - Length  - % water  - Latitude  - Longitude Ranked 23rd 169,790 km² 420 km 500 km 17 42°30N to 47°3N 86°49W to 92°54W Population  - Total (2000)  - Density Ranked 18th 5,453,896 38. ... Serbs (in the Serbian language Срби, Srbi) are a south Slavic people living chiefly in Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. ... Montenegrins are a South Slavic people who are primarily associated with the Republic of Montenegro, a member-state of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. ...

Verich's Crusader was hit by a SAM, and he punched out over hostile North Vietnamese territory. He landed near the wreck of his burning fighter and evading enemy troops for 15 hours, waiting for rescue and avoiding capture. A surface-to-air missile (SAM) is a missile designed to be launched from the ground to destroy aircraft. ... The Democratic Republic of Vietnam (Vietnamese Việt Nam Dân Chủ Cộng Hòa), also known as North Vietnam, was founded by Ho Chi Minh and was recognized by China and the USSR in 1950. ...

The SAR effort had been suspended as night came, but soon after dawn F-8s, A-1s, and A-4s arrived as the largest ever Naval rescue operation of the Vietnam War. During this time, Verich fired a flare that directed the HS-2 rescue helicopter from the carrier HORNET (CVS-12) to his position. The helo pilot and his crew braved intense enemy fire to finally drag Verich up into the quivering aircraft. Combatants Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) United States of America South Korea Thailand Australia New Zealand the Philippines Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) National Liberation Front (Viet Cong) Strength ~1,200,000 (1968) ~420,000 (1968) Casualties South Vietnamese dead: 1,250,000+ US dead: 58,226 US wounded...

It took 20 minutes and three tries to grab the helo's rescue sling, but Verich finally grabbed hold. The helicopter pilot, Lieutenant Neil Sparks, received the Navy Cross for his exploit. The Navy Cross The Navy Cross is the second highest medal that can be awarded by the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. ...