Navy Federal Credit Union

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 T. Buck, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 pilot near Binh Dai, Republic of Vietnam on 14 June 1967. On that date, he was diverted from his original target to provide close air support for a United States Army Company under imminent danger of being overrun by a battalion-sized hostile force. Despite adverse weather conditions and heavy hostile ground fire, Major Buck made repeated low-altitude strafing passes within ten meters of the friendly positions. His timely and extremely accurate deliveries broke the hostile attack averting certain disaster and resulted in the saving of an untold number of friendly lives. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Buck reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    February 17, 1967

    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    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 T. Buck, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Baria, Republic of Vietnam on 17 February 1967. On that date, with exceptional initiative in application of professional knowledge and skill, Captain Buck judiciously directed fighter attacks against hostile forces threatening friendly ground forces. Due in a large measure to Captain Buck’s extreme professional competency, the immediate threat to a pinned friendly force was removed allowing them to move to defensible positions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Buck reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Defense Superior Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Major General John T. Buck, United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of Major General Buck reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    1983 – 1984

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General John T. Buck, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, culminating as Vice Commander of Aeronautical Systems Division, Air Force Systems Command, with headquarters at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, from 1983 to 1984. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Buck culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General John T. Buck, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Buck and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.