Congressman honors Vietnam hero

In the depths of the Vietnam war, helicopter pilot Daniel Iman was repeatedly shot at while bringing comrades to safety during a mission June 24, 1970, in Cambodia.

Iman, who served as aircraft commander, tried to land, and despite heavy fire, kept returning until he was able to pick up troops, some badly wounded, and bring them to safety. Shrapnel from enemy artillery seriously wounded him as the troops loaded onto the aircraft, and he was injured again while lifting the aircraft out of the pick-up zone.

After months of recovery in the hospital, Iman, whose injuries included a shattered left hand, received medals in the mail for his valor during this mission and others, but he was never presented with the awards.

The Oceanside resident was formally presented with his medals in a pinning ceremony Jan. 28 led by U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa at the Veterans Association of North County in Oceanside.

Issa, representative for the state’s 49th congressional district, pinned a Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, two Purple Hearts, an Army Commendation Medal and the Air Medal on the retired chief army warrant officer.

The Air Medal, awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight, was awarded for Iman’s valor March 28-31, 1970, when “he participated in more than 25 aerial missions over hostile territory. … During all these flights, he displayed the highest order of air discipline and acted in accordance with the best traditions of the service,” according to the citation.

The ceremony drew dozens of veterans of Vietnam, Korea, Afghanistan and World War II, along with local leaders, including Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood, Councilman Jack Feller, and Chuck Arkinson, director of the Veterans Association of North County. Navy veteran the Rev. Michael Diaz, of St. Mary Star of the Sea in Oceanside, gave the invocation. The North San Diego Young Marines presented the colors.

Joining Iman and his wife, Jeanne, were their children and families: Sara and Ramon Logan with children Carver and LilaAnn; Jennifer and Tyson Lund with children Abigail and Graham; Maria and Mike Zwickelbauer, and Sgt. Trebel Iman.

“Mr. Iman fought hard for our nation, risking his life to save his fellow brethren. He deserved to be recognized for this incredible act of bravery. This ceremony is just one small act to help make sure he received the long-overdue recognition he deserved,” Issa said.