The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain John H. Alvis (NSN: 0-521212), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station, Lemoore from April 1971 to August 1973. An extremely capable, resourceful and dedicated naval officer, Captain Alvis vigorously directed the efforts of his command to the complete support of the fleet squadrons in their own preparations and training for combat operations in Southeast Asia. He exhibited a particular concern for the POW/MIA families and by personal example demonstrated continued care and assistance in their daily needs. His defense of encroachment problems to the Air Station and proposed disposal of Navy land property has been an outstanding example of a commanding officer acting with deep dedication and great determination, Undeterred by a seemingly foregone action, he rallied both Navy Department and local community support to an unprecedented level which caused a halt to the planned disposal of Air Station property. He maintained a diligent program to ever improve the recreational facilities for personnel assigned the Naval Air Station and through his personal direction has caused a major increase in size and variety of facilities now offered military personnel and their dependents. By his outstanding leadership, judgment and inspiring devotion to duty, Captain Alvis upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Attack Squadron 112 (VA-112)Division:
U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)Action Date:
December 13, 1966
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander John H. Alvis (NSN: 0-521212), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of jet attack aircraft attached to Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (VA-112), in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), while participating in an Air Wing strike against the Van Dien Vehicle Depot, near Hanoi, North Vietnam on 13 December 1966. In marginal weather conditions Commander Alvis led a surface-to-air missile suppression flight of two A-4 aircraft and one A-6 aircraft into the heavily defended Hanoi area. Escorting a large group of aircraft, his flight, in order to accomplish its mission, was forced by the weather to fly the entire route to and from the target area at altitudes below 1,500 feet exposing him to intense small arms, automatic weapons and medium and heavy anti-aircraft fire. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and numerous surface-to-air missile firings in the target area he demonstrated the highest degree of skill and courage in diving on known surface-to-air missile sites. Leaving the target area he jeopardized his own personal safety in order to cover the retirement of two damaged aircraft to the coast. Arriving over water he had just enough fuel to reach the airborne tanker. Through his professional leadership, outstanding airmanship and tenacious determination, Commander Alvis materially contributed to the success of the strike and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
December 1973 – May 1979
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral John H. Alvis (NSN: 0-521212), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Naval Air Systems Command Project Manager for F-14 Aircraft and Phoenix Missile, as Vice Commander and Deputy Commander for Plans and Programs, and as Deputy Commander and Director for Aircraft Programs, Naval Air Systems Command from December 1973 through May 1979. Rear Admiral Alvis’ depth of experience, knowledge, and understanding of Navy aviation programs as well as his aggressive leadership and resourcefulness were in large measure responsible for Congressional authorization and successful production of the world’s finest advanced carrier-based fighter aircraft. His technical knowledge and planning ability resulted in a clear and logical Navy management position which he presented with force and great credibility through the Department of Defense and Congressional decision levels necessary to obtain production approval of this major weapons system. As Vice Commander, Rear Admiral Alvis analyzed and highlighted with positive results the potentially grave shortages in acquisition management personnel resources. In his Deputy Commander roles, he further implemented a program of increasing flag officer oversight of the major projects. Rear Admiral Alvis’ integrity, mature judgment, operational competence, and tenacious dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.