Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Mele
Vojvodich
, Jr.
March 28, 1929

–

November 3, 2003

Cemetery:

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

After receiving his wings in 1950, Captain Vojvodich flew 125 combat missions in Korea including a 300 mile surveillance flight into China searching for Soviet-made bombers, for which he received the Distinguished Service Cross. He was also one of only five initial pilots who flew the CIA’s spy plane (A-12) in North Vietnam. He retired as a Major General in 1983 and passed away on November 3, 2003, at his home in Schertz, Texas after suffering from leukemia.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Mele Vojvodich, Jr., 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 Deputy Commander for Operations, Vice Commander and Commander of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy during 135 combat missions over Southeast Asia from 1972 to 1973. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions 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:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Mele Vojvodich, Jr., United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Vojvodich and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Mele Vojvodich, Jr., United States Air Force, was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Vojvodich and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Mele Vojvodich, Jr., United States Air Force, 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 while serving as Deputy Commander for Operations, Vice Commander and Commander of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy during 135 combat missions over Southeast Asia from 1972 to 1973. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Mele Vojvodich, Jr., United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Vojvodich and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Mele Vojvodich, Jr., 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. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Vojvodich and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Mele Vojvodich, Jr., United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Deputy Commander for Operations, Vice Commander and Commander of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy during 135 combat missions over Southeast Asia from 1972 to 1973. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Regiment:

    67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Mele Vojvodich, Jr., United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces during 125 combat missions in Korea from 1952 to 1953. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Regiment:

    67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    January 3, 1953
    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces: General Orders No. 216 (May 2, 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 Captain Mele Vojvodich, Jr. (AFSN: AO-1911218), 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 RF-86 Sabrejet Reconnaissance Aircraft with the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea on 3 January 1953. On that date Captain Vojvodich volunteered to fly an unarmed RF-86 type aircraft on an extremely hazardous mission of greatest importance to United Nations forces. Captain Vojvodich, exhibiting outstanding personal courage and skill, flew his unarmed aircraft deep into heavily defended enemy territory despite constant attacks from enemy aircraft. On his way to the target complex, he experienced a complete radio failure, and in addition, his drop tanks failed to jettison. Notwithstanding these obstacles, Captain Vojvodich, recognizing the vital importance of his assigned mission, elected to complete the photograph runs on his targets, exposing himself to firing passes from enemy aircraft. In order to insure complete coverage, Captain Vojvodich returned to re-photograph his first target, despite the presence of numerous enemy aircraft in the area. The intelligence data Captain Vojvodich obtained at great personal risk was of immeasurable value to subsequent United Nations operation in Korea. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Captain Vojvodich on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Regiment:

    67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Mele Vojvodich, Jr., United States Air Force, 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 while serving as a Pilot with the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces during 125 combat missions in Korea from 1952 to 1953. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.