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 First Lieutenant John Jackie Smallwood (AFSN: 0-12791402), United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force over hostile territory on 2 June 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Smallwood was the lead Weapon Systems Officer of a four-ship combat air patrol operating in a heavily defended area to protect a friendly strike force from opposing aircraft. Skillfully utilizing aircraft systems, Lieutenant Smallwood avoided lethal surface-to-air missiles, deadly accurate anti-aircraft fire, and repeatedly navigated the flight to counter multiple hostile fighter thrusts toward the strike force which led to engaging and destroying an attacking aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Smallwood has reflected 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
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 Jackie Smallwood (AFSN: 0-12791402), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Weapons Systems Officer in Southeast Asia on 29 July 1972. On that date, Captain Smallwood led a flight of two F-4’s deep into hostile territory, within fifteen miles of a hostile fighter base, to search for a downed aircrew. Despite the multiple threat from surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft artillery, and hostile fighters, Captain Smallwood relentlessly searched the area of the downed crewmembers, attempting to locate the survivors. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Smallwood reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.