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.
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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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Air Force Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. 2141 (May 15, 1970)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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
November 21, 1969 – June 29, 1973
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 John R. Bode (AFSN: 0-17355487), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Staff Development Engineer, as a Study Director, and as Chief, Fighter Division, Directorate of General Purpose and Airlift Studies, Assistant Chief of Staff, Studies and Analysis, Headquarters United States Air Force, from 21 November 1969 to 29 June 1973. Through his tireless dedication, penetrating analytical ability, and inspiring leadership, he provided fundamental direction that had a significant impact on current and future weapon systems, plans, policies, and strategies of United States Armed Forces. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Bode reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelRegiment:
1st BrigadeDivision:
25th Infantry Division (U.S. Army)Action Date:
June 5 – 7, 1969
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-59 (January 23, 1970)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Colonel John R. Bode (AFSN: 0-17355487), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller and Air Liaison Officer with the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (U.S. Army), at Fire Support Base Crook, Republic of Vietnam, from 5 June 1969 to 7 June 1969. During that period, Major Bode planned, directed, and controlled the employment of all the combined Air Force and Army tactical air assets in the decisive defeat of a numerically superior ground force. Displaying exceptional gallantry under intense and sustained hostile ground fire and unparalleled devotion to duty, Major Bode flew six missions and more than 17 hours at tree-top level under overcast ceilings of less than 1,000 feet, both day and night. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Major Bode reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.