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During World War II, John Vogt became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE-in-a-DAY, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, all in the single engagement that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1961 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    19th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    318th Fighter Group

    Division:

    7th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 28, 1945

    Headquarters, TENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 206 (September 22, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Air Corps) John Edward Vogt (ASN: 0-727593), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 19th Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, SEVENTH Air Force. On 28 May 1945, while participating in a heckler mission over Kyushu, Japan, at approximately 16,000 feet, Captain Vogt and the six other pilots on the flight observed twenty-eight enemy Zekes closing in with an altitude advantage of 3,000 feet. The enemy was attempting to form a Luftberry circle above our aircraft. By superior tactical skill and leadership, after dropping all wing tanks, Captain Vogt led his flight in a steep climb which, at an altitude of 28,000 feet, gave his flight an advantage of a few hundred feet, thereby causing the enemy to break into smaller elements. Just as the enemy began to scatter, Captain Vogt with full knowledge of his numerical disadvantage and in utter disregard of his own safety, began a pass attack which was pressed with a display of superior technique. One after another the enemy, unable to avoid his persistent attack and unable to evade his guns, were destroyed until he had scored four kills. The fifth enemy made a head-on attack at Captain Vogt, only to be destroyed by expert marksmanship. Captain Vogt, by a skillful maneuver, was able to avoid collision with this last enemy airman who had apparently made up his mind to break up the attack at the cost of his own life. By this time, with ammunition almost exhausted, and the enemy completely disrupted, Captain Vogt re-formed his flight and returned to his home base. Captain Vogt’s action is an inspiration to this command and reflects the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    19th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    318th Fighter Group

    Division:

    7th Air Force

    Action Date:

    October 1944

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, General Orders No. 141 (October 20, 1944)

    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 (Air Corps) John Edward Vogt (ASN: 0-727593), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 19th Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, SEVENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. As pilot of a fighter type airplane, Captain Vogt participated in thirty strike sorties against the enemy, displaying high professional skill, courage, and devotion to duty. 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:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    318th Fighter Group

    Action Date:

    January 16 – August 5, 1945

    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 86 (November 29, 1945

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) John Edward Vogt (ASN: 0-727593), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 1 318th Fighter Group, in successful combat missions against the Japanese Empire from 16 January 1945 to 5 August 1945. All missions were flown under rapidly changing and often-times adverse weather conditions. The flights were subjected to enemy anti-aircraft fire and fight opposition. There were constantly present difficult navigational problems, danger of engine failure and consequent ditching many miles at sea. Undaunted by the many hazards faced regularly and continuously, he displayed such courage and skill in the performance of his duty as to reflect great credit on himself and the Army Air Forces.