Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    35th Fighter-Bomber Squadron

    Regiment:

    8th Fighter-Bomber Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    October 27, 1952

    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 262 (May 26, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John W. Keeler (AFSN: AO-811919), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy as Pilot of an F-80 Shooting Star Fighter-Bomber of the 35th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action in Korea, on 27 October 1952. On that date, Captain Keeler displayed outstanding airmanship and navigational skill in leading a squadron of twelve F-80 type aircraft through below marginal weather to a heavily defended troop billeting area southwest of Wonsan, North Korea. After sighting the target, Captain Keeler aggressively initiated an attack, during which his aircraft was hit several times by an intense and accurate flak barrage. Disregarding his own personal safety and displaying outstanding airmanship, Captain Keeler continued his attack, scoring two direct hits in the target area. When the squadron had completed its attack, thirty-five troop billets had been destroyed and an undetermined number of enemy troops had been killed. Captain Keeler then capably led the squadron back to the base, although his aircraft had sustained extensive damage from flak. Through his outstanding leadership and gallantry in the face of determined enemy opposition, Captain Keeler reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.