As a P-47 Thunderbolt Pilot in World War II, Vermont Garrison became an ACE credited with shooting down 7.33 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He was himself shot down on March 3, 1944, and taken as a Prisoner of War by the Germans. He was liberated by the Russians on May 1, 1945, and remained in Europe as part of the Army of Occupation until 1946. During the Korean War Garrison increased his tally with ten confirmed aerial victories for a total of 17.33 victories. He is one of only seven men to become an ACE in BOTH World War II and Korea. During the Vietnam War he flew 97 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom II before retiring as a U.S. Air Force Colonel in 1973.
Sponsored by:
Vermont
Garrison
POW (WWII)
October 29, 1915
–
February 14, 1994
Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Corps)Regiment:
4th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, VIII Fighter Command, General Orders No. 21 (March 17, 1944)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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Vermont Garrison (ASN: 0-886027), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a Fighter plane in the 4th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. Lieutenant Garrison has accomplished thirty fighter combat missions, or the equivalent thereof, over enemy occupied Continental Europe and has destroyed two enemy airplanes in aerial combat. The skillful and zealous manner in which Lieutenant Garrison 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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Corps)Regiment:
4th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, VIII Fighter Command, General Orders No. 14 (February 25, 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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Vermont Garrison (ASN: 0-886027), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a Fighter plane in the 4th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. Lieutenant Garrison has accomplished thirty fighter combat missions, or the equivalent thereof, over enemy occupied Continental Europe and has destroyed two enemy airplanes in aerial combat. The skillful and zealous manner in which Lieutenant Garrison 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.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 16, 1969 – July 20, 1971
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 Vermont Garrison (ASN: 0-886027), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Wing Commander, 4780th Air Defense Wing, Aerospace Defense Command, from 16 June 1969 to 20 July 1971. In this important assignment, the exceptional leadership, exemplary guidance, and sustained superior performance demonstrated by Colonel Garrison were instrumental to the effectiveness and success of the 4780th Air Defense Wing. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Garrison reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Vermont Garrison (ASN: 0-886027), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
335th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronRegiment:
4th Fighter-Interceptor GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
June 5, 1953
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces: General Orders No. 387 (October 13, 1953)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Air Force) to Lieutenant Colonel Vermont Garrison (AFSN: 0-886027), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter of the 335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea on 5 June 1953. On that date, while leading a flight of four F-86 aircraft near the Yalu River, Colonel Garrison sighted a formation of ten MiG-15s far below. Diving down, Colonel Garrison pressed dangerously close behind the lead MiG in order that the remainder of his formation could assume attacking positions. With one long burst of his guns, Colonel Garrison caused the MiG to explode and disintegrate. Then, at great risk to his life, Colonel Garrison flew directly through the debris from the explosion, in order to attack another enemy MiG and fully exploit the tactical advantage already gained. Courageously disregarding a hail of enemy fire from behind him, and in the face of heavy odds, Colonel Garrison, after violent maneuvering, closed on the second MiG, scoring hits which caused it to explode and crash. As a result of Colonel Garrison’s intrepidity and keen flying skill, his flight was able to engage other MiGs in the forefront of the enemy formation, successfully destroying three of them. The enemy, having lost one-half of his force in less than two minutes, and thoroughly demoralized by the heroic and telling attack of Colonel Garrison and his formation, turned and withdrew from the scene of action in defeat. Through Colonel Garrison’s selfless courage and inspiring leadership, the tide of battle was turned and his flight was credited with the destruction of five MiGs, two of which were destroyed by Colonel Garrison. Through his outstanding professional skill, determination and exemplary devotion to duty, Colonel Garrison reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelRegiment:
4th Fighter-Interceptor WingDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
June 26, 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Vermont Garrison (ASN: 0-886027), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 26 June 1953, in aerial combat against enemies of the United Nations in Korea, as Pilot of an F-86 aircraft, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force. Lieutenant Colonel Garrison was leading a flight of two F-86’s on a combat air patrol deep in North Korea when he sighted eight enemy MiG’s at a low altitude using a scattered cloud layer for cover just south of the Yalu River. As he initiated a high speed diving attack, six of the eight enemy aircraft broke away in a desperate attempt to cross the Yalu River to safety. By superior skill and airmanship, Lieutenant Colonel Garrison cut off one of the remaining MiG’s, maneuvering in behind him. Despite violent evasive action, Lieutenant Colonel Garrison aggressively followed the MiG through a series of evading maneuvers, and skillfully closing into firing range, scored multiple hits in the enemy’s fuselage with several short bursts of his well-aimed guns. Lieutenant Colonel Garrison then observed the enemy aircraft to roll over and crash into the round, exploding on contact. Upon return to his home base, Lieutenant Colonel Garrison was officially credited with his eighth MiG-15 destruction. This action is typical of the aggressiveness and intrepid airmanship of Lieutenant Colonel Garrison, whose courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
4th Fighter-Interceptor GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
May 17, 1953
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 364 (August 28, 1953)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 Silver Star to Major Vermont Garrison (ASN: 0-886027), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations as Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter-Bomber of the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 17 May 1953. On that date, on a mission in North Korea, Major Garrison and his wingman sighted and drove across the Yalu River two enemy MiG aircraft. Immediately thereafter, six enemy aircraft attacked Major Garrison, at which time he became separated from his wingman. Ignoring the cannon fire of the enemy, Major Garrison displayed superb airmanship in successfully outmaneuvering the numerically superior enemy until they withdrew from the area. Major Garrison was then advised by radio that a friendly aircraft had been damaged. Proceeding toward the area of the damaged aircraft, Major Garrison sighted a lone MiG, unleashed a vicious attack, and, with three accurate bursts of fire, caused the enemy pilot to eject himself. Immediately thereafter, Major Garrison was attacked by two more enemy aircraft, which he again outmaneuvered and drove off. Sighting another lone MiG, he initiated a vigorous assault and succeeded in damaging the enemy aircraft severely. Although low on fuel and ammunition, Major Garrison demonstrated complete disregard for his personal safety by remaining as a protective cover for the crippled friendly aircraft until it withdrew from the danger area. Through his outstanding tactical skill and intrepidity in protecting his fellow pilot at the risk of his own life, Major Garrison reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1162 (August 8, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Vermont Garrison (ASN: 0-886027), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a F4C Aircraft Commander deep in unfriendly territory on 24 February 1967. On that date, Colonel Garrison led a strike flight against a valuable supply storage area for unfriendly forces. His performance in leading his flight through intense defensive rotations resulted in the complete destruction of vital supplies and the safe egress of the strike aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Garrison reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
335th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronRegiment:
4th Fighter-Interceptor WingDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
Korean War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel Vermont Garrison (ASN: 0-886027), United States Air Force, 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 while serving as a Pilot with the 335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Division:
Prisoner of War (Germany)Action Date:
March 3, 1944 – May 1, 1945
Captain (Air Corps) Vermont Garrison (ASN: 0-886027), United States Army Air Forces, was captured after he was shot down over Europe on 3 March 1944 and was held as a Prisoner of War in Germany until his release on 1 May 1945.