The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Joseph V. Potter (AFSN: FV-75710), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller of the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron at Toule Chan, Republic of Vietnam on 7 August 1967. On that date Captain Potter flew his O-1 aircraft in support of friendly ground forces engaged in defending their beleaguered outpost against a night attack by two hostile regiments. He controlled artillery, helicopter gun teams, an AC-47 flare ship while directing tactical air support sorties in close proximity to the camp’s perimeter. When a 50 caliber anti-aircraft weapon opened fire on other aircraft, Captain Potter, without regard for his own safety, made low, repeated passes over the gun position exposing himself to fire to mark its location for the fighters. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Captain Potter has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
19th Tactical Air Support SquadronAction Date:
August 7, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1984 (November 13, 1967) -
Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-742 (March 8, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Joseph V. Potter (AFSN: FV-75710), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Tan Uyen, Republic of Vietnam on 29 July 1967. On that date, Captain Potter was scrambled to aid the beleaguered forces of Tan Uyen defend themselves against a fierce hostile mortar attack. Despite sustaining battle damage to his unarmed O-1E aircraft, he demonstrated such exceptional command ability, superior airmanship and unwavering calmness that he quickly became the nerve center of coordination for all counter fire. Through his skillful direction of the counter-mortar artillery, helicopter gunships and Air Force tactical fighter aircraft, the devastating attack on Tan Uyen was broken. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Potter reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
May 12, 1990 – June 30, 1991
Headquarters, Air University, Special Order GA-95 (July 30, 1991)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Joseph V. Potter (AFSN: FV-75710), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, Academic Operations and Director of Operations and Plans, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, from 12 May 1990 to 30 June 1991. During this period, his contributions to the Air Force Institute of Technology were timely and exceptional. Through his vision and initiative, programs were adopted, policies changed, and quality of life at the Institute improved. As the architect and major proponent for distance learning, he brought the Institute up-to-date in the field of distance learning and prepared the Institute to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Potter culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.