Kenneth J. Musnicki, USAF (Retired)
August 20, 1947 – March 26, 2014

Kenneth J. Musnicki, age 66, passed away peacefully at his home in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., on March 26, 2014.

He is survived by his daughters, Perla Marin, Fort Walton Beach, and Christine Snipes, Fort Walton Beach; granddaughters, Jasmine Marin, Shalimar, and Haley Snipes, Fort Walton Beach, and many friends and PJ brothers. Ken was a retired U.S. Air Force Pararescue Jumper. He earned numerous decorations during his 23 years of service, including two Silver Stars, a Distinguished Flying Cross, and 8 Air Medals.

A gathering celebrating Ken’s life will be held at the Fantasy Lounge, 1429 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32547, on April 12, 2014, at 1 p.m. The Family invites all that knew him to attend and share their memories of this wonderful man that will be missed so much by all that knew him.

To share memories and condolences, please visit: www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com

Published in Northwest Florida Daily News on Apr. 8, 2014

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~ SILVER STAR ~

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Kenneth J. Musnicki, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Detachment 12, 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, 7th Air Force, in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 27 June 1972. On that date, Sergeant Musnicki, a Pararescue Recovery Specialist on an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter, voluntarily penetrated deep into North Vietnam to effect the daring aerial rescue of a downed Air Force pilot. For over one hour, he manned an unprotected minigun position and willingly subjected himself to continual ground fire to provide protective cover for his vulnerable aircraft. His professional performance, at great risk to his own life, was instrumental in the recovery of this imperiled airman virtually from the hands of his would be captors. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Musnicki has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Action Date: 27-Jun-72

Service: Air Force

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Company: 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

Division: Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, 7th Air Force

~ SILVER STAR ~

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Kenneth J. Musnicki, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Detachment 12, 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, 7th Air Force, in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 18 November 1972. On that date, Sergeant Musnicki, a Pararescue Specialist on an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter, voluntarily penetrated deep into an extremely hostile and heavily defended area of North Vietnam to rescue two downed American airmen. At great risk to his own life, he willingly exposed himself to hostile ground forces while manning the minigun position. Sergeant Musnicki’s professional skill suppressing the ground fire being directed at his vulnerable aircraft was directly responsible in the successful completion of this hazardous rescue. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Musnicki has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

General Orders: Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders GB-0394 (March 28, 1973)

Action Date: 18-Nov-72

Service: Air Force

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Company: 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

Division: Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, 7th Air Force