John M. Rowan

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to John M. Rowan, Major, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force on 19 March 1967. On that date, Major Rowan made United States Air Force history by successfully leading a flight of three F-105 Thunderchiefs on an unprecedented and daring low-level, high-speed attack on a vital thermal power plant, deep in North Vietnam. This tactic of weapons delivery was an original concept formulated and submitted by Major Rowan to higher headquarters. Despite extremely hazardous flying conditions consisting of extremely low clouds and poor visibility, an intense barrage of antiaircraft artillery fire over the target, and a near miss by an SA-2 surface-to-air missile, Major Rowan heroically led his flight through rugged mountainous terrain to accomplish this highly significant mission. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Rowan reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.