From 1972 onwards , Pumas operated by the SAAF were deployed on extended operations in neighboring Namibia and Angola during the Border War . During the first deployment to the Eastern Caprivi , one Puma crewmember became the first member of the SAAF to be awarded the Honoris Crux . The Puma was involved in normal trooping ; rapid deployment during " follow up " operations ; acting as radio relays ; evacuation of casualties ; rescuing downed aircrew ; insertion of Special Forces ; and large scale cross border operations such as Savannah , Uric , Protea , Super , and Modular
Honoris Crux
Honoris Crux (1975)
Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma