Victor Joe Apodaca graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1961. He was the first Spanish-American-Navajo Indian to attend the Academy. In 2001 his remains were recovered and returned.
Sponsored by:
Victor
Joe
Apodaca
, Jr.
MIA (RVN) KIA
May 31, 1937
–
June 8, 1967
Born:
Sheridan
,
Colorado
Home:
Englewood
,
Colorado
Buried:
Colorado Springs
,
Colorado
Cemetery:
U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery
Awards Received
-
Air Medal
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Air Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainRegiment:
366th Tactical Fighter WingAction Date:
May 20 – June 8, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Air Medal (Posthumously) to Captain Victor Joe Apodaca, Jr., United States Air Force, for meritorious achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight as a combat crew member in Southeast Asia from 20 May 1967 to 8 June 1967. During this period, outstanding airmanship and courage were exhibited in the successful accomplishment of important missions under extremely hazardous conditions including the continuous possibility of hostile ground fire. His highly professional efforts contributed materially to the mission of the United States Air Force in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Apodaca reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainRegiment:
366th Tactical Fighter WingAction Date:
May 30, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1215 (August 16, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Victor Joe Apodaca, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F4C Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 30 May 1967. On that date, Captain Apodaca suppressed a hostile force that were engaging friendly troops. Undaunted by the heavy automatic weapons fire, Captain Apodaca made repeated passes on the hostile position. As a result of his aerial skill, heavy damage and many casualties were inflicted upon the hostile force. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Apodaca reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.