John L. Kretz

The President of the United States takes Pleasure in presenting an Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a second Silver Star Medal to John L. Kretz, Captain, U.S. Air Force. Captain John L. Kretz distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force over Southeast Asia on 21 December 1968. On that date, as a F-100F Forward Air Controller, he located a downed aircrew member in a heavily defended area. While under continuous fire from numerous hostile antiaircraft positions he marked the firing sites and controlled suppressive fighter strikes. His exemplary skill and courage resulted in the silencing of the hostile defenses and enabled the rescue helicopter to successfully extract the downed airman. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Kretz has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States takes Pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John L. Kretz, Captain, U.S. Air Force. Captain John L. Kretz distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with operations against an opposing armed force near Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam, on 31 August 1968. On that date, Captain Kretz’s flight of F-100’s was sent in support of a friendly ground force, which urgently needed aid. The hostile forces occupied a relatively advantageous position on a mountain side and, although a solid cloud layer obscured the mountain from just above their position and rain made it impossible to keep their position in sight, Captain Kretz repeatedly acquired and attacked the hostile forces. Despite overwhelming difficulties in acquiring and approaching the target and extremely hazardous escape parameters, he placed all ordnance exactly on target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Kretz has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.