The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Colonel John Peter Flynn (AFSN: 0-15760/AO41234/15133928), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 27 October 1967. On that date, Colonel Flynn was a member of a force ordered to attack a vital military target in a heavily defended area in North Vietnam. After taking a hit from a surface-to-air missile, Colonel Flynn, realizing his aircraft was too crippled to continue, elected not to ask for his flight’s assistance, as customary with battle damage aircraft, but let them continue to press the attack on the assigned target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Flynn reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Air Force Cross
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel John Peter Flynn (AFSN: 0-15760/AO41234/15133928), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 23 August 1967. On that date, Colonel Flynn was a member of the lead flight in a force of thirty-two aircraft directed to attack and destroy a heavily defended military target over North Vietnam. Despite repeated attacks by hostile aircraft, and an intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire, Colonel Flynn placed his ordnance directly on the target, inflicting severe damage. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Flynn reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
January 1970 – February 1973
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 Major General John Peter Flynn (AFSN: 0-15760/AO41234/15133928), United States Air Force, for outstanding achievement in a position of leadership while detained as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from January 1970 to February 1973. This officer performed duties dealing in highly classified material while under constant surveillance of the enemy. He generated new ideas and improvised new techniques which greatly enhanced covert operations. His outstanding performance and dedication to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Peter Flynn (AFSN: 0-15760/AO41234/15133928), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Korea. 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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Peter Flynn (AFSN: 0-15760/AO41234/15133928), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Korea. 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.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
March 1971 – April 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General John Peter Flynn (AFSN: 0-15760/AO41234/15133928), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility. General Flynn distinguished himself as Commander of the 4th Allied Prisoner of War Wing, Hanoi, North Vietnam, while a Prisoner of War during the period March 1971 to April 1973. Despite constant threatening pressure from enemy officers and guards, General Flynn established a command which met challenged of never-ending variety. The effectiveness of the organization and the impact of his leadership against enemy programs of prisoner exploitation were best illustrated by the number of times which General Flynn and key members of his staff were segregated from the main body of prisoners. However the prisoner organization was so well grounded by that time there was no loss in capability to continue to function as a Wing. Every decision that General Flynn made was a difficult one, but he made them without yielding to the easy or indifferent. He created the 4th Allied Prisoner of War Wing and led it through constant crises in terms of what was best for our country, then best for the Wing, and lastly, what was best for the individual, finally bringing his men out with honor and dignity. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Flynn reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 27, 1967 – March 14, 1973
Colonel John Peter Flynn (AFSN: 0-15760/AO41234/15133928), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 27, 1967 until his release on March 14, 1973.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major General [then Colonel]Division:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 27 – November 10, 1967
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 Major General [then Colonel] John Peter Flynn (AFSN: 0-15760/AO41234), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 27 October 1967 to 10 November 1967. Captured at the height of the air war, General Flynn, the most senior officer in captivity, was exposed to forceful interrogation, intimidation, and brutal treatment because the enemy believe he was withholding valuable tactical information. Although suffering severe injuries, he was beaten and tortured for military information which, if obtained by the Vietnamese, would clearly have jeopardized the lives of those still flying. By his display of heroic resistance through this ordeal of extreme cruelties, General Flynn reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
Air Force Military Training Center, Lackland AFB, TexasAction Date:
August 16, 1974 – September 10, 1976
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in Lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General John Peter Flynn (AFSN: 0-15760/AO41234/15133928), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility. General Flynn distinguished himself as Commander, Air Force Military Training Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, from 16 August 1974 to 10 September 1976. In this important assignment, the forceful leadership, outstanding professionalism and dedicated efforts of General Flynn resulted in significant improvement in the training capabilities of the United States Air Force and enhanced the overall defense posture of the United States. General Flynn’s personal dynamic efforts and innovative improvements in basic military training, human relations programs, and recruiter training contributed greatly to the success of the All Volunteer Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Flynn reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
July 31, 1973 – August 11, 1974
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General John Peter Flynn (AFSN: 0-15760/AO41234/15133928), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commandant, Air War College, and Commandant, Air Command and Staff College, from 31 July 1973 to 11 August 1974. During this period, General Flynn’s dynamic leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts added a new dimension and perspective to the Professional Military Education Program of Air University. In addition, his selfless dedication and extraordinary initiative promoted the image of the United States Air Force throughout the United States and Allied nations. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Flynn reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
August 27, 1964 – June 25, 1967
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel John Peter Flynn (AFSN: 0-15760/AO41234/15133928), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander for Operations, 49th Tactical Fighter Wing, United States Air Forces in Europe, from 27 August 1964 to 15 June 1966, and as Director of Readiness Inspection, Inspector General, Headquarters United States Air Forces in Europe, from 16 June 1966 to 25 June 1967. During this period, the operational concepts, philosophies and practices developed and applied as a result of Colonel Flynn’s dynamic leadership, initiative, and resourcefulness contributed directly to refinement and improvement of United States Air Forces in Europe and North Atlantic Treat Organization’s combat potential capability. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Flynn reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.