Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain John Griffeth Houston (AFSN: FR-55501), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller of the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, in action at Bu Prang Regional Forces Outpost, Quang Duc Sector, Republic of Vietnam, on 24 March 1966. On that date, Captain Houston flew his O-1E aircraft ten hours under continued and intense ground fire, providing for and directing air strikes in support of the defense of Bu Prang Outpost against a regiment of hostile forces. Three hours of this flying occurred at night under extremely hazardous terrain and weather conditions. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Houston reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    21st Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Action Date:

    July 15 – August 1, 1966

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-778 (August 27, 1966)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain John Griffeth Houston (AFSN: FR-55501), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight over Southeast Asia while serving with the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, from 15 July 1966 to 1 August 1966. During this period, while flying as Forward Air Controller in support of United States Marine Corps forces in Operation HASTINGS, Captain Houston displayed superior airmanship and courage while uncovering and destroying hostile gun emplacements. During his many reconnaissance flights, he repeatedly presented his aircraft as a target to hostile gunners. Most noteworthy of his accomplishments and displays of courage was his disclosure of anti-aircraft positions and guns of a hostile battalion-size unit on 23 July 1966. Once the hostile force’s positions were accurately located, he called for attack aircraft, marked each target for attack, and vigorously pursued the attack. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Houston reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    21st Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Action Date:

    March 23, 1966

    Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Order G-174 (June 3, 1966)

    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 Griffeth Houston (AFSN: FR-55501), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in the Quang Duck Sector, Republic of Vietnam, on 23 March 1966. On that date, as a Forward Air Controller, Captain Houston purposefully and with complete disregard for his safety, risked his life to prevent the overrun of a friendly convoy and a united States Special Forces Camp by a force of Viet Cong. During four of the seven hours that he was airborne at low level directing effective fighter strikes and artillery barrages, he was subjected to almost point blank rounds of fire which inflicted three hits upon his aircraft. Primarily because of his heroic efforts, the hostile force was battered and forced to disengage, having suffered heavy casualties. His exemplary professionalism in employing fighter strikes and his utter disregard for his personal safety epitomized the finest qualities of a Forward Air Controller. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Houston has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.