Noteable Navs - Send in by Joe M.
Below are the citations for the 6 Air Force Cross awarded toNavigators (Electronic Warfare Officers) duringSouth East Asia conflict (Vietnam War). I also included the citations for the3 Navigators at the endthat you may have been referring to. The link is:
www.homeofheroes.com/valo...01rvn.html
--
Joe M.
SAC, TAC, PACAF
Life Member DAV, VFW, Amvets, 355th Ftr Grp Assn, River Rats
Member 39th Ftr Sqdn Assn, Destroyer Assn
GILROY, KEVIN A.
Captain, U.S. Air Force
354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand
Date of Action: March 10, 1967
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Kevin A. Gilroy, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism as Electronics Warfare Officer of an F-105 aircraft engaged in a pre-strike, missile suppression mission in North Vietnam on 10 March 1967. On that date, Captain Gilroy guided his pilot in attacking and destroying a surface-to-air missile installation protecting one of the most important industrial complexes in North Vietnam. He accomplished this feat even after formidable hostile defenses had destroyed the lead aircraft and had crippled a second. Though his own aircraft suffered extensive battle damage and was under constant attack by MIG interceptors, antiaircraft artillery, automatic weapons, and small arms fire, Captain Gilroy aligned several ingenious close range attacks on the hostile defenses at great risk to his own life. Due to his technical skill, the attacks were successful and the strike force was able to bomb the target without loss. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness, Captain Gilroy has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
JOHNSON, HAROLD E. (POW)
Captain, U.S. Air Force
357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Tuy Hoa Air Base, Vietnam, 7th Air Force
Date of Action: April 19, 1967
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Harold E. Johnson, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism as Electronics Warfare Officer of an F-105 aircraft engaged in a prestrike, missile suppression mission over North Vietnam on 19 April 1967. On that date, Captain Johnson guided his pilot in attacking and destroying a surface-to-air missile installation with an air-to-ground missile. Through his technical skill, he immediately detected a second missile complex and guided the pilot into visual contact. Diving into a deadly barrage of antiaircraft fire, his aircraft bombed and successfully destroyed this site. In the attack on this second missile site, a wingman was shot down by the intense antiaircraft fire, and the crew members were forced to abandon their aircraft. Flying through hostile missile threats, Captain Johnson's aircraft engaged and destroyed a MIG-17 while attacking a superior MIG force. He aided in the rescue efforts for the downed crew, engaged additional MIGs, and damaged one in the encounter. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness, Captain Johnson has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
MONGILLO, PAUL JOHN
Major, U.S. Air Force
Date of Action: December 16, 1967
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Paul John Mongillo, Major, U.S . Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Thunderchief Electronics Warfare Officer against an isolated vital military target near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 16 December 1967. On that date, Major Mongillo braved many concentrations of heavy antiaircraft artillery fire and eighteen surface-to-air missiles as he successfully led his missile suppression flight in diverting the hostile defenses away from the main strike force. He contributed to the destruction of one missile site only three miles from the center of the heavily defended target area and damaged at least one other missile complex. As a result of his actions, the main strike force suffered no losses, encountered only four missiles, and successfully destroyed this vital military target. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Mongillo reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
SHANNON, FRED
Captain, U.S. Air Force
Date of Action: August 11, 1967
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Fred Shannon, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an Electronics Warfare Officer in the lead aircraft of a flak suppression flight near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 11 August 1967. On that date, Captain Shannon suppressed six active surface-to-air missile sites defending a strategic highway and railroad bridge. Despite concentrated barrages of antiaircraft fire and three missiles directed against his flight, Captain Shannon displayed the highest degree of courageous leadership in destroying two missile sites and in forcing the other four into sporadic operation. As a direct result of his actions, the strike force suffered no losses and imposed extensive damage on this vital target. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Shannon reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
TSOUPRAKE, PETER
Major, U.S. Air Force
Date of Action: July 5, 1966
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Peter Tsouprake, Major, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 5 July 1966. On that date, Major Tsouprake, an F-105F Electronics Warfare Officer in the lead aircraft of a flight tasked to support a large strike force, detected hostile surface-to-air missile sites which threatened the other strike force. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Major Tsouprake responded professionally in the face of continuous heavy and intense ground fire of all types and directed his pilot in attacks against four separate missile complexes. Three of the four sites were completely destroyed, and the remaining site sustained extensive damage. This courageous and aggressive action considerably reduced the missile threat against the other strike force. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Tsouprake reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
WILLIAMS, DAVID H.
Captain, U.S. Air Force
Date of Action: October 27, 1967
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to David H. Williams, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as the Electronics Warfare Officer for the leader of an F-105 Thunderchief flight attacking a vital military target in the vicinity of Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 27 October 1967. On that date, with his aircraft hit and burning, Captain Williams exhibited the highest order of courage as he continued to guide his pilot through intense and accurate antiaircraft fire to attack and destroy a hostile surface-to-air missile complex that was threatening a large F-105 strike force. With his aircraft still in flames he assisted his pilot in initiating rescue efforts for a wingman down in the target area. Captain Williams then constantly provided positions as the pilot flew the crippled aircraft 300 miles to a skillful emergency landing. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Williams reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
3 Navigators that you were probably referring to:
*HICKMAN, VINCENT JOSEPH (MIA)
Captain, U.S. Air Force
1st Air Commando Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam
Date of Action: January 14, 1964
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Vincent Joseph Hickman, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an Advisor-Navigator of a B-26B aircraft on 14 January 1964. On that date, Captain Hickman voluntarily exposed himself during low level flights over hidden Viet Cong machine gun installations. Despite heavy machine gun fire, which repeatedly struck the aircraft, Captain Hickman aggressively continued his efforts to locate and destroy machine gun installations until the badly damaged aircraft crashed and burned. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Hickman reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
LIELMANIS, ATIS KARLIS (MIA)
First Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force
Air Commando Special Operations Squadron,
Date of Action: November 24, 1963
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Atis Karlis Lielmanis, First Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an Advisor-Navigator of a B-26B aircraft on 24 November 1963. On that date, Lieutenant Lielmanis voluntarily exposed himself during a low level flight over hidden Viet Cong machine gun installations. Their fire badly damaged the aircraft, and it crashed, but this revealed the Viet Cong positions and resulted in their destruction by cover aircraft. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, First Lieutenant Lielmanis reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
PRICE, DONALD S.
Captain, U.S. Air Force
33rd Air Rescue Squadron, Naha Air Base, Okinawa
Date of Action: March 14, 1966
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Donald S. Price, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Navigator aboard an HU-16B aircraft, in the Gulf of Tonkin, off shore of North Vietnam, on 14 March 1966. On that date, Captain Price participated in a successful rescue of the downed crew of an F-4C aircraft, in hostile waters. As they approached the area, the downed crew members were sighted. A determination was made that an open sea landing would be necessary to effect a successful rescue. At this time, a force of approximately 25 motorized sampans were observed heading toward the downed pilots. After a full stall landing was made and while they were maneuvering toward the nearest survivor, a heavy barrage of hostile gun fire was directed at the aircraft from the nearby sampans. Moments later, the aircraft was struck, exploded, and was almost immediately engulfed in flames. As the heat from the fire became intense, the crew was forced to abandon the aircraft. As Captain Price jumped into the water, he encountered the F-4C pilot who had discarded both his life raft and life jacket and was struggling to remain afloat. Captain Price towed the pilot on his back away from the burning aircraft and continued to render assistance while awaiting rescue. Several minutes later, helicopters arrived on the scene and Captain Price, although in great pain from multiple wounds received in the explosion, remained in the water to complete his mission of rescuing the downed F-4C pilot. He assisted the pilot into a sling and the helicopter departed. Captain Price was now the sole survivor in the water and artillery shells began to fall around him, preventing rescue by another helicopter. As he struggled into a nearby raft, the sampans began converging on him forcing him to re-enter the water and swim seaward. At this time, two F-4C aircraft and a helicopter arrived in the area. While the F-4Cs suppressed the hostile fire, the helicopter effected a successful rescue. By his extraordinary heroism, gallantry, and determination, Captain Price has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Below are the citations for the 6 Air Force Cross awarded toNavigators (Electronic Warfare Officers) duringSouth East Asia conflict (Vietnam War). I also included the citations for the3 Navigators at the endthat you may have been referring to. The link is:
www.homeofheroes.com/valo...01rvn.html
--
Joe M.
SAC, TAC, PACAF
Life Member DAV, VFW, Amvets, 355th Ftr Grp Assn, River Rats
Member 39th Ftr Sqdn Assn, Destroyer Assn
GILROY, KEVIN A.
Captain, U.S. Air Force
354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand
Date of Action: March 10, 1967
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Kevin A. Gilroy, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism as Electronics Warfare Officer of an F-105 aircraft engaged in a pre-strike, missile suppression mission in North Vietnam on 10 March 1967. On that date, Captain Gilroy guided his pilot in attacking and destroying a surface-to-air missile installation protecting one of the most important industrial complexes in North Vietnam. He accomplished this feat even after formidable hostile defenses had destroyed the lead aircraft and had crippled a second. Though his own aircraft suffered extensive battle damage and was under constant attack by MIG interceptors, antiaircraft artillery, automatic weapons, and small arms fire, Captain Gilroy aligned several ingenious close range attacks on the hostile defenses at great risk to his own life. Due to his technical skill, the attacks were successful and the strike force was able to bomb the target without loss. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness, Captain Gilroy has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
JOHNSON, HAROLD E. (POW)
Captain, U.S. Air Force
357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Tuy Hoa Air Base, Vietnam, 7th Air Force
Date of Action: April 19, 1967
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Harold E. Johnson, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism as Electronics Warfare Officer of an F-105 aircraft engaged in a prestrike, missile suppression mission over North Vietnam on 19 April 1967. On that date, Captain Johnson guided his pilot in attacking and destroying a surface-to-air missile installation with an air-to-ground missile. Through his technical skill, he immediately detected a second missile complex and guided the pilot into visual contact. Diving into a deadly barrage of antiaircraft fire, his aircraft bombed and successfully destroyed this site. In the attack on this second missile site, a wingman was shot down by the intense antiaircraft fire, and the crew members were forced to abandon their aircraft. Flying through hostile missile threats, Captain Johnson's aircraft engaged and destroyed a MIG-17 while attacking a superior MIG force. He aided in the rescue efforts for the downed crew, engaged additional MIGs, and damaged one in the encounter. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness, Captain Johnson has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
MONGILLO, PAUL JOHN
Major, U.S. Air Force
Date of Action: December 16, 1967
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Paul John Mongillo, Major, U.S . Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Thunderchief Electronics Warfare Officer against an isolated vital military target near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 16 December 1967. On that date, Major Mongillo braved many concentrations of heavy antiaircraft artillery fire and eighteen surface-to-air missiles as he successfully led his missile suppression flight in diverting the hostile defenses away from the main strike force. He contributed to the destruction of one missile site only three miles from the center of the heavily defended target area and damaged at least one other missile complex. As a result of his actions, the main strike force suffered no losses, encountered only four missiles, and successfully destroyed this vital military target. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Mongillo reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
SHANNON, FRED
Captain, U.S. Air Force
Date of Action: August 11, 1967
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Fred Shannon, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an Electronics Warfare Officer in the lead aircraft of a flak suppression flight near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 11 August 1967. On that date, Captain Shannon suppressed six active surface-to-air missile sites defending a strategic highway and railroad bridge. Despite concentrated barrages of antiaircraft fire and three missiles directed against his flight, Captain Shannon displayed the highest degree of courageous leadership in destroying two missile sites and in forcing the other four into sporadic operation. As a direct result of his actions, the strike force suffered no losses and imposed extensive damage on this vital target. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Shannon reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
TSOUPRAKE, PETER
Major, U.S. Air Force
Date of Action: July 5, 1966
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Peter Tsouprake, Major, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 5 July 1966. On that date, Major Tsouprake, an F-105F Electronics Warfare Officer in the lead aircraft of a flight tasked to support a large strike force, detected hostile surface-to-air missile sites which threatened the other strike force. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Major Tsouprake responded professionally in the face of continuous heavy and intense ground fire of all types and directed his pilot in attacks against four separate missile complexes. Three of the four sites were completely destroyed, and the remaining site sustained extensive damage. This courageous and aggressive action considerably reduced the missile threat against the other strike force. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Tsouprake reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
WILLIAMS, DAVID H.
Captain, U.S. Air Force
Date of Action: October 27, 1967
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to David H. Williams, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as the Electronics Warfare Officer for the leader of an F-105 Thunderchief flight attacking a vital military target in the vicinity of Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 27 October 1967. On that date, with his aircraft hit and burning, Captain Williams exhibited the highest order of courage as he continued to guide his pilot through intense and accurate antiaircraft fire to attack and destroy a hostile surface-to-air missile complex that was threatening a large F-105 strike force. With his aircraft still in flames he assisted his pilot in initiating rescue efforts for a wingman down in the target area. Captain Williams then constantly provided positions as the pilot flew the crippled aircraft 300 miles to a skillful emergency landing. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Williams reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
3 Navigators that you were probably referring to:
*HICKMAN, VINCENT JOSEPH (MIA)
Captain, U.S. Air Force
1st Air Commando Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam
Date of Action: January 14, 1964
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Vincent Joseph Hickman, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an Advisor-Navigator of a B-26B aircraft on 14 January 1964. On that date, Captain Hickman voluntarily exposed himself during low level flights over hidden Viet Cong machine gun installations. Despite heavy machine gun fire, which repeatedly struck the aircraft, Captain Hickman aggressively continued his efforts to locate and destroy machine gun installations until the badly damaged aircraft crashed and burned. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Hickman reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
LIELMANIS, ATIS KARLIS (MIA)
First Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force
Air Commando Special Operations Squadron,
Date of Action: November 24, 1963
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Atis Karlis Lielmanis, First Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an Advisor-Navigator of a B-26B aircraft on 24 November 1963. On that date, Lieutenant Lielmanis voluntarily exposed himself during a low level flight over hidden Viet Cong machine gun installations. Their fire badly damaged the aircraft, and it crashed, but this revealed the Viet Cong positions and resulted in their destruction by cover aircraft. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, First Lieutenant Lielmanis reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
PRICE, DONALD S.
Captain, U.S. Air Force
33rd Air Rescue Squadron, Naha Air Base, Okinawa
Date of Action: March 14, 1966
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Donald S. Price, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Navigator aboard an HU-16B aircraft, in the Gulf of Tonkin, off shore of North Vietnam, on 14 March 1966. On that date, Captain Price participated in a successful rescue of the downed crew of an F-4C aircraft, in hostile waters. As they approached the area, the downed crew members were sighted. A determination was made that an open sea landing would be necessary to effect a successful rescue. At this time, a force of approximately 25 motorized sampans were observed heading toward the downed pilots. After a full stall landing was made and while they were maneuvering toward the nearest survivor, a heavy barrage of hostile gun fire was directed at the aircraft from the nearby sampans. Moments later, the aircraft was struck, exploded, and was almost immediately engulfed in flames. As the heat from the fire became intense, the crew was forced to abandon the aircraft. As Captain Price jumped into the water, he encountered the F-4C pilot who had discarded both his life raft and life jacket and was struggling to remain afloat. Captain Price towed the pilot on his back away from the burning aircraft and continued to render assistance while awaiting rescue. Several minutes later, helicopters arrived on the scene and Captain Price, although in great pain from multiple wounds received in the explosion, remained in the water to complete his mission of rescuing the downed F-4C pilot. He assisted the pilot into a sling and the helicopter departed. Captain Price was now the sole survivor in the water and artillery shells began to fall around him, preventing rescue by another helicopter. As he struggled into a nearby raft, the sampans began converging on him forcing him to re-enter the water and swim seaward. At this time, two F-4C aircraft and a helicopter arrived in the area. While the F-4Cs suppressed the hostile fire, the helicopter effected a successful rescue. By his extraordinary heroism, gallantry, and determination, Captain Price has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
