Navy Federal Credit Union

Melvin Killian enlisted in the Iowa National Guard nearly two years before the attack on Pearl Harbor, and subsequently attended Army Infantry Officer Candidate School before transferring to the Army Air Forces in 1943. He flew in the China-Burma-India Theater in the closing months of that war. He served in Korea during the closing months of that war, and returned to combat in Vietnam. He was shot down in Vietnam on September 30, 1965, in the mission that earned him the Air force Cross, Listed for two decades as Missing in Action and subsequently Presumed Dead, his remains were recovered, identified, and returned to the United States for burial at Arlington National Cemetery in on March 20, 1985.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Batallion:

    334th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    September 30, 1965

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Colonel Melvin Joseph Killian, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-105 aircraft of the 334th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 30 September 1965. On that date, Colonel Killian led a flight of F-105 aircraft against a highly significant military target. Colonel Killian proceeded on an unerring course to the target area. Arriving ahead of the main flight, he began an aerial survey of the area in order to give final navigational assistance to the incoming flight. Although subjected to intensive hostile ground fire, Colonel Killian flew his aircraft over the gun emplacements while giving encouragement and directions as each pilot braved the withering ground fire. His overwhelming desire for successful mission completion, and his concern for the safety of each pilot forced him to disregard his own personal safety while continuously flying within range of the ground fire. His outstanding dedication to duty, superior initiative, and mission performance resulted in the destruction of numerous hostile ground positions of vital significance to the Viet Cong. Colonel Killian’s actions and courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the American fighting man under attack by an opposing armed force. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness, in the dedication of his service to his country, Colonel Killian has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.