Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Mack
Simmons
, Jr.
DNB (1961)
September 3, 1921

–

January 18, 1961

Born:

Gadsden

, 

Alabama

Home:

Gadsden

, 

Alabama

Buried: 

Gadsden

, 

Alabama

Cemetery:

Forrest Cemetery

During World War II, John Simmons became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 7 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and was killed in a flying accident in an F-104 at Elgin, Air Force Base, on January 18, 1961

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    317th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    325th Fighter Group

    Division:

    12th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) John Mack Simmons, Jr. (ASN: 0-816167), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 317th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group, TWELFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    317th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    325th Fighter Group

    Division:

    12th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 57 (January 3, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) John Mack Simmons, Jr. (ASN: 0-816167), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving was Pilot of a P-51 Mustang Fighter Airplane of the 317th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group, TWELFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, in 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Simmons, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.