Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain John Olihovik, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Pilot of an L-5 airplane with the Aviation Section, Headquarters Company, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Chuchon-ni, Korea, on 20 February 1951. When a Navy aircraft was hit by enemy ground fire and crashed into the riverbed of the Chu’chongang, Captain Olihovik, flying an unarmed plane, proceeded immediately to the area and, skillfully landing in the rough terrain, made his way on foot to the stricken aircraft despite intense, direct fire from enemy troops only 300 yards away. Reaching and lifting the critically injured pilot, he carried him back to the rescue plane which was idling 100 yards distant. Miraculously escaping almost certain death, injury or capture, Captain Olihovik took off and flew the injured man directly to the Chech’on airstrip where he was quickly transferred to a field hospital. By his daring initiative and superb courage, he served to inspire other pilots to heroic efforts, thus contributing to the effectiveness of the striking power in the task force as a whole. His selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk reflects the highest credit upon Captain Olihovik and the United States Armed Forces.

Awards Received