The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major John R. Bode (AFSN: 0-17355487), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near the Cambodian Border, Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam on 24 May 1969. On that date, Major Bode came under intense attack from numerous small caliber automatic weapons positions. Without regard for his own safety and displaying exceptional courage he marked the target with pinpoint accuracy and directed the fighter element against the hostile gun positions which were totally destroyed along with six hostile gunners. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Bode reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 with Combat “V” to Major John R. Bode (AFSN: 0-17355487), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller at Fire Support Base FRONTIER CITY, Republic of Vietnam on 26 April 1969. On that date, Major Bode was scrambled in support of the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry who were in imminent danger of being overrun by a much larger hostile force. He succeeded in locating the hostiles’ precise position by courageously presenting himself as a target. During two and one half hours, continuously within the lethal ground envelope, he systematically dove low and fired accurate marking rockets directly into the areas of most intense anti-aircraft fire and directed tactical airstrikes and helicopter gunships onto these positions until they were destroyed. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Bode reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” (Army Award) to Major John R. Bode (AFSN: 0-17355487), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Bode distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 February 1969 while serving as the Air Force Liaison Officer to the 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. While Major Bode was flying as Forward Air Controller in support of Patrol Base DIAMOND, the enemy launched a ground attack on the camp. Braving the fierce fusillade from the hostile anti-aircraft machine guns, Major Bode located and marked communist positions, and then directed six air strikes requiring low-level marking passes. Because of his persistence, three enemy anti-aircraft positions were decimated and the hostile troops were driven from the area in disorder. Major Bode’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Air Force.