Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Daniel Haney, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1E Skyraider Pilot of the 602d Fighter Squadron (Commando) in North Vietnam on 2 April 1967. On that date, Captain Haney participated in the search and rescue attempt for a downed pilot in an area of North Vietnam that was protected by intense and accurate hostile ground fire. When the wingman of the lead element had to leave the search area, Captain Haney immediately assumed that position, even though he knew that he would be exposed to the intense barrage while flying at low altitude and slow speeds. Captain Haney’s immediate response to the critical situation and determined commitment to the protection of his flight leader exemplify the highest standards of courage and professionalism. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Haney reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    602d Fighter Squadron (Commando)

    Action Date:

    May 24, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-1327 (1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain John Daniel Haney, Jr., United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an A-1E Skyraider Pilot of the 602d Fighter Squadron (Commando), in action in Southeast Asia on 24 May 1967. On that date, Captain Haney attacked one of the most important and heavily defended targets in Southeast Asia. With unwavering courage, determination, and complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Haney pressed his attack despite intense and accurate fire from all quadrants and completely destroyed a very important target complex. Captain Haney’s unhesitating acceptance of peril and positive skillful actions in this extremely dangerous situation demonstrate the highest standards of conduct in a combat situation. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Haney has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    602d Fighter Squadron (Commando)

    Action Date:

    January 6, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-534 (1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John Daniel Haney, Jr., United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an A-1E Pilot of the 602d Fighter Squadron (Commando), in action in Southeast Asia on 6 January 1967. On that date, Captain Haney’s flight of Douglas A-1E Skyraiders was diverted to the support of a beleaguered, vital outpost being overrun b y hostile ground forces. Operating in extremely hazardous weather conditions, and in the face of intense and determined automatic weapons fire, Captain Haney made repeated low level, devastating attacks upon the hostile troops. Ignoring repeated hits upon his aircraft, he voluntarily exposed himself to further hazard by firing his ordnance singly until his flight was relieved by other Skyraiders. His disregard for his personal safety and repeated, accurate weapons deliver gained valuable time in which ground forces could coordinate their positions and thoroughly demoralize the attacking hostile forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Haney has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    May 14, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-1171 (August 9, 1967)

    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 Daniel Haney, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1E Skyraider Pilot in Southeast Asia on 14 May 1967. On that date, Captain Haney directed the successful recovery of a pilot downed in North Vietnam. Although in an area of ground fire and MiG activity, he searched for the pilot at low altitude for almost an hour; finally locating him and directing the successful pickup. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Haney reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.