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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 O. Lindgren, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the Aircraft Commander of an HH-53 rescue helicopter near Hue, Republic of Vietnam, on 23 September 1970. On that date, Captain Lindgren’s exemplary knowledge and outstanding airmanship, displayed under difficult conditions, culminated in the rescue of an injured United States Air Force pilot. Captain Lindgren lowered a Pararescueman to the ground, withdrew while he assessed the survivor’s injuries, and then returned to pick up the survivor and the Pararescueman, preventing possible death or capture by hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Lindgren 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:

    March 20, 1970
    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 with Combat “V” to Captain John O. Lindgren, Jr., United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an HH-53 copilot in Southeast Asia on 20 March 1970. On that date, Captain Lindgren flew an extremely hazardous mission into one of the most heavily fortified hostile areas in Southeast Asia in an effort to rescue a downed American airman. Although wounded by hostile ground fire during the early stages of the rescue effort, Captain Lindgren disregarded his own injury in order to pursue the recovery attempt. Captain Lindgren provided an important communications relay with the other rescue forces and kept the aircraft commander accurately advised on the status of critical aircraft system. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Lindgren reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.