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 Major John Burd Collins (AFSN: FR-29026), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 Fighter Pilot and Flight Lead near Khe Sanh on 14 April 1968. On that date, Major Collins was engaged in a close air support mission against two heavy anti-aircraft artillery positions. Despite low visibility, strong winds, and intense ground fire directed at his aircraft, Major Collins accurately placed his ordnance on target and silenced both positions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Collins reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-863 (March 18, 1968)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 Major John Burd Collins (AFSN: FR-29026), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Flight Lead and F-100 Fighter Pilot near Dak To, Republic of Vietnam, on 11 November 1967. On that date, Major Collins provided immediate close air support for friendly units engaged in heavy contact with a large hostile force in the Battle of Dak To. Despite intense ground fire, haze obliterating the target area, and the close proximity of friendly ground forces, Major Collins responded with repeated and extremely accurate ordnance deliveries in support of the beleaguered friendly forces. His courage, aggressive determination, unerring accuracy, and calm leadership saved many friendly lives and contributed significantly to the overwhelming free world forces victory achieved at Dak To. The outstanding heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Major Collins reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major John Burd Collins (AFSN: FR-29026), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.
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Silver Star
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-179 (June 15, 1969)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 Major John Burd Collins (AFSN: FR-29026), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-100 Pilot near Dong Ha, Republic of Vietnam, on 2 September 1968. On that date, Major Collins provided close air support for friendly ground forces by attacking hostile anti-aircraft gun positions which were hampering friendly aircraft attempting to supply friend ground forces. By superb pilot skill and courage, Major Collins overcame the extreme hazards of adverse weather conditions and intense anti-aircraft fire to eliminate the hostile threat and permit vitally needed supply operations to reach the besieged friendly forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Collins has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.