Navy Federal Credit Union

John Carroll Graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1962. After landing his crippled aircraft during the mission that earned him the Air Force Cross, he radioed the Search-and-Rescue helicopters on his intent to stay in the aircraft. Two SAR helicopters attempted a recovery, but intense enemy fire forced them to depart the area. A second pickup attempt was made later, but the pilot of that helicopter saw that Carroll had been fatally wounded. The recovery attempt was unsuccessful due to nearby enemy forces that opened fire on the helicopter. His remains were recovered and identified in 2007 and he was buried at the U.S. Air Force Academy on November 13, 2007.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    20th Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Regiment:

    56th Special Operations Wing

    Division:

    Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (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 Major John Leonard Carroll (AFSN: 0-63770), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    20th Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Regiment:

    56th Special Operations Wing

    Division:

    Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    November 7, 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Major John Leonard Carroll (AFSN: 0-63770), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Control pilot serving with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, 56th Special Operations Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action after being shot down in Xiangkhoang Province, Laos, on 7 November 1972. On that date, Major Carroll personified the American Fighting Man’s Code of Conduct. When faced with the despair of surrender or the prospect of survival, and confronted with overwhelming odds, Major Carroll elected to fight. Armed only with a rifle, revolver, and hand grenades, Major Carroll held off two enemy companies in an attempt to permit aircraft to effect his rescue. During the fire fight with the approaching enemy, Major Carroll was wounded in the leg by enemy gunfire. Despite being seriously wounded, he pressed the fight. Major Carroll fought with bravery, tenacity, and courage until the moment of his death. He took every action to maximize his own rescue. Major Carroll refused to surrender as long as he had the means to resist. His courage and selfless devotion to duty are an inspiration to all American fighting men. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, and in the dedication of his service to his country, Major Carroll reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.