Navy Federal Credit Union

John Vogt received a bachelor of arts degree from Yale University, a master of arts from Columbia University, and was a fellow of the Harvard School for International Affairs. After two combat tours in World War II he became an ACE, credited with shooting down 8 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. During the Vietnam War he was responsible for air operations in Southeast Asia for the last eighteen months of the War. He is the only officer to have been Commander in Chief of both the U.S. Pacific and European Air Forces. He retired in 1975 as a U.S. Air Force 4-Star General.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    February 11, 1963 – July 15, 1965

    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. GB-157 (June 30, 1965)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) to Major General John William Vogt, Jr. (AFSN: 8709A/ASN: 0-659342), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Directory, Policy Planning Staff, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (International Security Affairs), from 11 February 1963 to 15 July 1965. Through unstinting devotion to duty, high integrity, unusual intellect, superlative professional competence, and consistently objective and accurate judgments, General Vogt made unique and highly significant contributions to the politico-military planning activities of the United States Government and its allies, adding greatly to their security and common understanding. Symbolizing that rare combination of military man/statesman by his unequaled ability to effect the proper blend between military and political factors, General Vogt played an outstanding and crucial role in the following matters of vital national and free world importance: procedures for anticipating and managing international crises, contingency planning for incipient crisis areas, improvement of intelligence gathering techniques, implementation of the United States policy of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, North Atlantic Treaty Organization policy, planning and strategy, West German/United States defense relations, Berlin crises planning and actions, defense policy and military objectives in Southeast Asia, United States arms policy in the Middle East, National Policy Papers. Major General Vogt’s singular contributions to the defense of the United States and the free world, and his devotion to our national interests in the execution of his heavy responsibilities, reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Forces.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    General

    Action Date:

    April 11, 1972 – September 30, 1973

    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. GB-724 (October 2, 1973)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to General John William Vogt, Jr. (AFSN: 8709A/ASN: 0-659342), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Vogt distinguished himself as Deputy Commander, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, and Commander, SEVENTH Air Force, from 11 April 1972 to 14 February 1973; and as Commander, United States Support Activities Group/SEVENTH Air Force, Thailand, from 15 February 1973 to 30 September 1973. In these very critical and demanding positions, he provided the aggressive and astute leadership, managerial ability, exceptional initiative, and operational knowledge required for the successful accomplishment of unilateral and combined military operations, and Free World objectives in Southeast Asia. He demonstrated his comprehension of air war tactics, application of resources and ability to develop practical solutions to complex international military problems in a demanding and fluid environment. General Vogt, through close cooperation with the Free World governments of Southeast Asia, developed and executed plans encompassing massive air offensive operations throughout this theater. General Vogt demonstrated his mastery of tactics and strategy through his guidance on the application of combat air assets that proved critical to a successful conclusion of the United States mission in Southeast Asia. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Vogt reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    General

    Action Date:

    July 1, 1974 – August 2, 1975

    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. GB-532 (July 10, 1975)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to General John William Vogt, Jr. (AFSN: 8709A/ASN: 0-659342), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Vogt distinguished himself as Commander in Chief, United States Air Forces in Europe and Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe from 1 July 1974 to 31 August 1975. In these important assignments, the forceful leadership and the outstanding and dedicated efforts of General Vogt were significantly displayed in the increased combat readiness of all United States Air Forces in Europe. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Vogt culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    360th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    356th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 4, 1944

    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 510 (October 10, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) John William Vogt, Jr. (AFSN: 8709A/ASN: 0-659342), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy as Pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Airplane of the 360th Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, while escorting bombers over Germany, on 4 August 1944. Major Vogt was leading a squadron of P-47 fighters when they engaged thirty ME-109’s preparing to attack the bombers. During the ensuing battle, Major Vogt, disregarding his own safety and placing himself at a great tactical disadvantage, on two different occasions went to the assistance of fellow pilots who were being dangerously pressed by the enemy. Unhesitatingly accepting the hazardous risk attendant with such daring combat tactics, he successfully destroyed two enemy aircraft. The splendid cooperation and flying skill displayed by Major Vogt and his squadron afforded excellent protection to the bomber formation.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    360th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    356th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) John William Vogt, Jr. (AFSN: 8709A/ASN: 0-659342), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 360th Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    360th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    356th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) John William Vogt, Jr. (AFSN: 8709A/ASN: 0-659342), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 360th Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    360th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    356th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) John William Vogt, Jr. (AFSN: 8709A/ASN: 0-659342), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 360th Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    360th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    356th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) John William Vogt, Jr. (AFSN: 8709A/ASN: 0-659342), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 360th Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations 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.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1969 – April 30, 1972

    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. GB-194 (April 12, 1972)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General John William Vogt, Jr. (AFSN: 8709A/ASN: 0-659342), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Vogt distinguished himself as Director for Operations, Operations Directorate, and Director, Joint Staff, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, from 1 August 1969 through 30 April 1972. In these important assignments, the forceful leadership, and the outstanding and dedicated efforts of General Vogt were significantly displayed in a wide range of operational and planning matters developed under his guidance and provided to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and higher authority for consideration and decision. His personal contribution to the varied aspects of international negotiations, current operations and strategic planning at the highest levels of government attest to his comprehensive awareness of political-military considerations and broad military knowledge. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Vogt reflect the highest credit upon himself, the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    August 2 , 1965 – June 15, 1968

    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. GB-392 (July 26, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General John William Vogt, Jr. (AFSN: 8709A/ASN: 0-659342), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Vogt distinguished himself as Deputy for Plans and Operations, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, from 2 August 1965 to 15 June 1968. In this important assignment, the forceful leadership and the outstanding and dedicated efforts of General Vogt were significantly displayed in supervising the preparation of war plans, contingency plans, support plans, briefs, and operational planning concepts; and establishing policies on operational requirements and programs for accomplishment of the command mission. In addition, General Vogt participated in negotiations and technical agreements with other military services and with foreign countries, supervised the issuance of mission directives, organizational concepts, and allocation of manpower; and accomplished similar functions for and in support of the Military Assistance Program, as rendered appropriate by the role of the Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces, in Military Assistance Program matters. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Vogt reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.