- SURNAME
Allison
- FORENAME
John V.
- UNIT
Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Training Center, Eglin AFB
- RANK
Lieutenant Colonel
- NUMBER
0-28301
- AWARD
Air Force Cross, 3 x Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit
- PLACE
North Vietnam 1970 (Son Tay)
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 1.9.1926, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
pilot
31.08.1978 retired
CITATION:
Air Force Cross : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Lieutenant Colonel John V. Allison (AFSN: 0-28301), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as Aircraft Commander of an HH-53 Rescue Helicopter of the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group, as part of an all-volunteer joint U.S. Army and Air Force raiding force in the Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed heliborne assault mission to rescue United States military personnel held as prisoners of war at Son Tay prison in North Vietnam, on 21 November 1970. On that date, Lieutenant Colonel Allison flew a helicopter loaded with Special Forces troops into an extremely hostile environment. Prior to landing, he recognized that circumstances existing in the vicinity of the objective were considerably different than expected. He correctly assessed the new conditions, and at risk of life under adverse circumstances and without direction, implemented an alternate plan. Acting on his own, Colonel Allison's decision to undertake a new plan and deliver sustained accurate fire on the major enemy threat, a guard billet played a large part in the tactical success of the operation. After all buildings were searched, Colonel Allison, without regard for his personal safety, landed and picked up and safely returned his troops through heavy surface-to-air missile activity. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Lieutenant Colonel Allison reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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 with Combat "V" to Major John V. Allison (AFSN: 0-28301), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Rescue Crew Commander, in North Vietnam on 22 January 1968. On that date, Major Allison attempted to recover crew members of an aircraft shot down by a hostile aircraft. Disregarding the distinct possibility of a hostile trap, Major Allison pressed the rescue attempt to the utmost. Although his aircraft received a multitude of hits from hostile ground fire, he was able to cope with the emergency, complete an aerial refueling and return his aircraft to home base. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Allison reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Distinguished Flying Cross (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) : Major John V. Allison (AFSN: 0-28301), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.
Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) : 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 Major John V. Allison (AFSN: 0-28301), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an HH-53B Rescue Crew Commander in Southeast Asia on 11 March 1968. On that date, Major Allison was flying a combat rescue mission attempting to evacuate a forward operating site under heavy attack by hostile forces. Although the site had been overrun by the time Major Allison arrived with his helicopter, and automatic weapons occasionally fired in spite of all efforts to suppress them, Major Allison hovered over a steep ridge near the site four times and successfully recovered nineteen friendly soldiers. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Allison reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Legion of Merit : 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 V. Allison (AFSN: 0-28301), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director of Safety, Headquarters, Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service from 25 July 1974 to 31 August 1978. In this important position, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Allison resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the worldwide rescue mission. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Allison culminates a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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 with Combat "V" to Major John V. Allison (AFSN: 0-28301), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Rescue Crew Commander, in North Vietnam on 22 January 1968. On that date, Major Allison attempted to recover crew members of an aircraft shot down by a hostile aircraft. Disregarding the distinct possibility of a hostile trap, Major Allison pressed the rescue attempt to the utmost. Although his aircraft received a multitude of hits from hostile ground fire, he was able to cope with the emergency, complete an aerial refueling and return his aircraft to home base. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Allison reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Distinguished Flying Cross (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) : Major John V. Allison (AFSN: 0-28301), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.
Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) : 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 Major John V. Allison (AFSN: 0-28301), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an HH-53B Rescue Crew Commander in Southeast Asia on 11 March 1968. On that date, Major Allison was flying a combat rescue mission attempting to evacuate a forward operating site under heavy attack by hostile forces. Although the site had been overrun by the time Major Allison arrived with his helicopter, and automatic weapons occasionally fired in spite of all efforts to suppress them, Major Allison hovered over a steep ridge near the site four times and successfully recovered nineteen friendly soldiers. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Allison reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Legion of Merit : 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 V. Allison (AFSN: 0-28301), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director of Safety, Headquarters, Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service from 25 July 1974 to 31 August 1978. In this important position, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Allison resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the worldwide rescue mission. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Allison culminates a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/3572
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