John Alpers was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on October 5, 1972 and was held until his release on March 29, 1973.
Sponsored by:
John
Hardesty
Alpers
, Jr.
POW (RVN)
October 1, 1946
–
August 6, 2015
Born:
Richmond
,
Virginia
Home:
Boulder
,
Colorado
Buried:
Arlington
,
Virginia
Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
Awards Received
-
Legion of Merit
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Prisoner of War Medal
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Legion of Merit
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
June 9, 1978 – September 30, 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 Hardesty Alpers, Jr. (AFSN: FV-31571185), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States s Deputy and Acting Chief, Aviation Science Division; Military Training Director and Special Consultant for Organizational Development; Deputy Chief and Chief of the Cadet Wing Policy and Evaluation Division, Commandant of Cadets, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, from 9 June 1978 to 30 September 1983. In these demanding positions, Lieutenant Colonel Alpers contributed directly to the defense posture of the United States by influencing policy and developing programs to prepare future officers for leadership positions in the united States Air Force. The highly successful programs he fostered will have significant and positive effects on the Academy for the foreseeable future. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Alpers culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain John Hardesty Alpers, Jr. (AFSN: FV-31571185), United States Air Force, for meritorious service while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 5, 1972 – March 29, 1973
Captain John Hardesty Alpers, Jr. (AFSN: FV-31571185), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 5, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-1841 (February 2, 1971)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 John Hardesty Alpers, Jr. (AFSN: FV-31571185), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon Systems Operator in Southeast Asia on 2 February 1971. On that date, despite adverse weather, darkness of night, mountainous terrain, hostile anti-aircraft fire, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Alpers made repeatedly accurate ordnance deliveries to successfully interdict an enemy transshipment point, thereby destroying large quantities of supplies and equipment destined for use against friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Alpers reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-3070 (March 19, 1971)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 John Hardesty Alpers, Jr. (AFSN: FV-31571185), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon Systems Operator in Southeast Asia on 19 March 1971. On that date, Captain Alpers flew a critical mission in support of friendly forces. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Alpers made multiple ordnance deliveries at perilously low altitudes to destroy a heavy armored tank and its crew, thereby preventing great loss of life to allied personnel facing this hostile threat. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Alpers reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Hardesty Alpers, Jr. (AFSN: FV-31571185), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Alpers and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.