The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] John Heilig (NSN: 0-5194597), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 1 May 1966 as a Pilot of an RF-8A jet aircraft, serving with Light Photographic Squadron SIXTY-THREE, Detachment LIMA, embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CVA-19), during a reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam. Lieutenant Commander Heilig led an extremely hazardous bomb damage assessment mission to gather photography of the Uong Bi Power Plant, the Haiphong Bridge, and the Me Xa Bridge. These three targets were in some of the most heavily defended areas of North Vietnam. Although confronted with a difficult low-level navigation problem, necessitated by enemy surface-to-air missile defenses, and a malfunctioning directional compass, he pressed on and obtained outstanding photographic coverage of his assigned targets. Lieutenant Commander Heilig’s flight was under constant, intense anti-aircraft fire during the run-in and egress from the assigned targets. Despite this, he showed a high degree of initiative in observing and photographing several lucrative areas of great intelligence value. By his exceptional planning and superior airmanship, Lieutenant Commander Heilig provided the United States with intelligence of paramount importance. His courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain John Heilig (NSN: 0-5194597), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station, Kingsville, Texas, from June 1989 to June 1991. Captain Heilig’s strong leadership and superb management skill resulted in extraordinary achievements in mission accomplishment and asset conversion. While inspiring his departments to provide unsurpassed support for strike pilot training, he made major strides in improving the quality of life for all activities onboard Naval Air Station, Kingsville. Captain Heilig’s superb management of resources allowed construction of a fully equipped nautilus fitness center, establishment of a computer learning center, major landscaping, and self-sufficient consolidated club operations. His direct involvement in environmental issues resulted in a comprehensive Hazardous Waste Management Program. Captain Heilig’s outstanding leadership, judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainAction Date:
January 1985 – November 1988
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain John Heilig (NSN: 0-5194597), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as the Assistant Chief of Staff for International Training on the Chief of Naval Education and Training from January 1985 to June 1986 and as Commanding Officer of the Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity (TETSAFA), Pensacola, Florida, from June 1986 through November 1988. Captain Heilig displayed superior leadership and managerial acumen in effecting the implementation of a complete realignment of the Department of the Navy’s Security Assistance Training Program. This realignment caused significant augmentation of qualitative and quantitative taskings for NETSAFA in program management. Additionally, worldwide responsibilities to support all Commander in Chief’s and Military Assistance Advisory Groups’ missions, Defense Security Assistance Agency, other Military Departments, and over 100 Embassies. He managed this highly complex and diversified program with extraordinary efficiency, thereby bringing great credit to the Navy and the United States Government. Captain Heilig’s exceptional professionalism, bold initiative, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 1966 – February 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander John Heilig (NSN: 0-5194597), United States Navy, for meritorious service as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in August 1966 and from 1970 to February 1973. Through his ceaseless efforts, in an atmosphere of enemy harassment, threat of torture and brutal treatment, he established and maintained intracamp communications. At great risk and in spite of further cruelty, he continued to devise many unusual and ingenious methods of communications, resulting in American and Allied prisoners resisting the enemy’s demands and at the same time improving the prisoners’ morale. By his heroic endeavors, exceptional skill, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John Heilig (NSN: 0-5194597), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. In November 1966, his captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 5, 1966 – February 12, 1973
Commander John Heilig (NSN: 0-5194597), United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 5, 1966 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 1966 – February 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander John Heilig (NSN: 0-5194597), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the of the United States as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 1966 to February 1973. Under the most adverse conditions, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States, never wavering in his devotion and loyalty to the United States. In an outstanding and tireless fashion he serves as both an educator and an entertainer to provide diversion and constructive rehabilitative thinking to his fellow prisoners during their long internment. Despite harsh treatment and a lack of material aids, he devoted long hours toward improving their morale and well-being. His extraordinary skill, resourcefulness, and dedication to duty throughout his lengthy confinement reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]