Navy Federal Credit Union

Both John Griffith and his Bombardier/Navigator, Lieutenant Commander John Griffith, received the Navy Cross for this mission. On March 12, 1968, Glenn Kollmann’s aircraft malfunctioned during a night catapult launch, and ditched from its carrier. He and Lieutenant Commander Griffith were listed as Missing in Action, and neither man’s remains have never been recovered.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 35 (VA-35)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CVA(N)-65)

    Action Date:

    February 24, 1968

    Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Commander Glenn Edward Kollmann (NSN: 0-551276), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in aerial flight on 24 February 1968 as the Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron THIRTY-FIVE (VA-35), embarked in U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CVA(N)-65). Commander Kollmann planned and led a night air strike against a vital and heavily defended port facility in the heart of North Vietnam. Piloting his aircraft at perilously low altitudes in the monsoon weather, he successfully penetrated intense and accurate enemy defenses. Disregarding the threatening surface-to-air missiles and the anti-aircraft artillery defending the target area, Commander Kollmann maintained a smooth, level flight path until bomb release, thereby ensuring an optimum bombing solution. Because of his daring and highly professional flying skill, his bombs found their mark, inflicting heavy damage upon the port facilities. By his airmanship, courage, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of intense hostile fire, Commander Kollmann contributed materially to United States efforts in Southeast Asia and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.