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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 First Lieutenant John Francis Guilmartin, Jr. (AFSN: FR-63863), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force over North Vietnam as Co-Pilot of an HH-3C Rescue Helicopter of the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action on 19 February 1966. On that date, demonstrating an extraordinary degree of courage, together with a complete disregard for the dangers to which he would be exposed, Lieutenant Guilmartin proceeded to a hostile area well known for its heavy and accurate antiaircraft defenses in search of a down U.S. Air Force pilot. With grim determination and acutely conscious of the grave importance of his mission, Lieutenant Guilmartin braved heavy ground fire which damaged his aircraft to make a successful hoist pickup of the downed airman. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Guilmartin has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    September 16, 1973 – March 31, 1983
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-92 (February 11, 1983)

    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 Lieutenant Colonel John F. Guilmartin, Jr., United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 16 September 1973 to 31 March 1983. During this period his superb leadership, qualitative improvements, and dedication to excellence won recognition for the “Air University Review” as the finest professional journal of its kind. His highly successful efforts to reach influential personnel in the defense and academic communities will undoubtedly play a key role in developing war fighting doctrine within the Air Force. He has created through “Air University Review”, a major influence on national security issues, thus greatly enhancing its usefulness to the Air Force and our national defense. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Guilmartin culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

    Division:

    Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    May 18, 1966
    Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Order G-733 (1966)

    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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John Francis Guilmartin, Jr. (AFSN: FR-63863), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as Pilot of an HH-3C Rescue Helicopter of the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over the Republic of Vietnam on 18 May 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Guilmartin flew his unarmed helicopter into an area infested with anti-aircraft artillery and hostile troops to rescue the two-man crew of a downed F-4B. While attempting the rescue his aircraft was hit by hostile fire, wounding one crewmember. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Guilmartin has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.