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 Francis Flanagan, Jr., United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as a Forward Air Controller in support of a special operation by Detachment B-52 (Project Delta), 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), northwest of Khe Sahn, Republic of Vietnam, on 2 December 1966. On that date, Captain Flanagan was flying an O-1 aircraft in a search for a trapped reconnaissance team. Shortly after locating the team, a vicious fire-fight ensued, and Captain Flanagan willingly exposed himself to intense automatic weapons fire in a desperate attempt to hep the trapped team. Despite warnings, Captain Flanagan flew repeated passes over the hostile weapons positions amid a hail of tracer rounds in an attempt to mark these positions and direct he fire of helicopter gunships. Through his efforts, the attention of the hostile gunners was distracted sufficiently to permit some team members to make good their escape. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Flanagan has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainAction Date:
September 29 – October 1, 1966
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 Francis Flanagan, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Tay Minh, Republic of Vietnam, from 29 September 1966 to 1 October 1966. During this period, Captain Flanagan directed numerous fighter aircraft missions in support of his unit. The precision and skill utilized in the direction of the fighter aircraft greatly contributed to the saving of many friendly lives and to the success of the entire operation. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Flanagan reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General John Francis Flanagan, Jr., United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Brigadier General Flanagan culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-653 (August 20, 1966)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 First Lieutenant John Francis Flanagan, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Dong Tre, Republic of Vietnam, on 27 June 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Flanagan was called upon to control a flight of fighter aircraft against a suspected hostile force spotted in an open field. After locating the hostile force, Lieutenant Flanagan discovered that the original coordinates given were erroneous and the force was discovered to be friendlies and immediately called off the air strike. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Flanagan reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainAction Date:
September 29 – October 1, 1966
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John Francis Flanagan, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Tay Ninh, Republic of Vietnam, from 29 September 1966 to 1 October 1966. During this period, Captain Flanagan directed numerous fighter aircraft missions in support of his unit. The precision and skill utilized in the direction of the fighter aircraft greatly contributed to the saving of many friendly lives and to the success of the entire operation. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Flanagan reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.