Combat search and rescue
[1] A CSAR mission may be carried out by a task force of helicopters, ground-attack aircraft, aerial refueling tankers and an airborne command post.
[citation needed] In 1915, during the First World War, Squadron Commander Richard Bell-Davies of the British Royal Naval Air Service performed the first combat search and rescue by aircraft in history.
His Victoria Cross citation included "Squadron-Commander Davies descended at a safe distance from the burning machine, took up Sub-Lieutenant Smylie, in spite of the near approach of a party of the enemy, and returned to the aerodrome, a feat of airmanship that can seldom have been equalled for skill and gallantry.
"[4] Like the search and rescue efforts of the future, Davies' action sprang from the fervent desire to keep a compatriot from capture or death at the hands of the enemy.
[citation needed] Although parachute rescues were not officially authorized at the time, this is considered by PJs to be the birth of United States Air Force Pararescue.
They recognized that if a SAR mission was predestined to fail, it should not be attempted and other options such as special operations, diversionary tactics and other creative approaches tailored to the situation had to be considered.
[citation needed] As a result of the Vietnam CSAR experience, the US military also improved the night capability of helicopters and area denial munitions.
[8]: 46 On 21 April 1917, Captain Richard Williams of the Australian Flying Corps landed behind enemy lines to rescue a downed comrade during World War I.
During the rescue operation, five US military aircraft supporting the CSAR effort were shot down, eleven US servicemen were killed, and two men were captured.
