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 Colonel John Wessley Mansur (AFSN: FR-75683/3133603), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief, Space Launch and Control Division, Directorate of Space Systems and Command Control Communications, Deputy Chief of Staff Research, Development and Acquisition, and as Military Assistant to the Under Secretary and Acting Secretary of the Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia, from 15 June 1982 to 6 June 1986. During this period, Colonel Mansur’s dedication, unparalleled professional knowledge, and superior judgment were crucial to the success of Air Force space programs. He was solely responsible for initiatives paving the way for recovery from failures in three national space launch systems. His unsurpassed managerial expertise and inspired personal leadership were instrumental in the smooth transition of Secretarial leadership under extraordinary circumstances and contributed directly to the attainment of defense and national objectives. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Mansur reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 21, 1986 – August 12, 1987
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel John Wessley Mansur (AFSN: FR-75683/3133603), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Eastern Space and Missile Center, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, from 21 June 1986 to 12 August 1987. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts demonstrated by Colonel Mansur resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of our nation’s space and ballistic missile programs. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Mansur culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. 1190 (March 26, 1969)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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain John Wessley Mansur (AFSN: FR-75683/3133603), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 29 December 1968. On that date, Captain Mansur conducted a low altitude reconnaissance mission of vital strategic significance over heavily defended territory known to be the stronghold of hostile ground forces, fathering important information badly needed by Allied military planners. In spite of being temporarily blinded when struck by accurate ground fire, Captain Mansur stayed with his aircraft and overcame his wounds, returning to base with the important data. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Mansur has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. 3766 (December 7, 1968)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 Wessley Mansur (AFSN: FR-75683/3133603), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller directing fighter aircraft in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 June 1968. On that date, Captain Mansur successfully directed tactical airpower against a large hostile force which surrounded a Special Forces unit. After taking a direct hit in the aircraft’s windshield, Captain Mansur elected to continue with his mission and remained in the hostile area to provide needed tactical air support. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Mansur has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. 683 (February 20, 1969)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 Wessley Mansur (AFSN: FR-75683/3133603), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller at a classified location in Southeast Asia on 7 October 1968. On that date, Captain Mansur, in response to an urgent request, launched in an unarmed aircraft in an attempt to obtain air cover for a friendly force at an outpost under siege. Though hampered by intense ground fire, Captain Mansur successfully directed thirty-six sorties in nine hours of flight which caused the opposing force to withdraw. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Mansur reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainAction Date:
November 28, 1968 – January 14, 1969
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. 3076 (July 31, 1969)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 Wessley Mansur (AFSN: FR-75683/3133603), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller at a classified location in Southeast Asia from 28 November 1968 to 14 January 1969. During this period, Captain Mansur flew four or more sorties per day through extremely hazardous terrain and adverse weather conditions in support of free world forces combating aggression. Although his aircraft received multiple hits from theirintensive ground fire, he continued to direct in tactical air to destroy hostile forces’ complexes and relieve the friendly forces from aggression by hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Mansur reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. 1301 (April 2, 1969), Amended by S.O. 2156 (1969)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 a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain John Wessley Mansur (AFSN: FR-75683/3133603), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force as Forward Air Controller, at a classified location on 13 December 1968. On that date, Captain Mansur was flying his aircraft in support of friendly ground forces engaged in defense of their beleaguered outpost. Due to the mountainous terrain and low, overcast cloud cover, fighter aircraft were having difficulty locating and suppressing hostile positions. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Mansur made several passes on hostile antiaircraft gun positions, to draw their fire and expose them to attacks from the fighter aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Mansur reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.