John Smith Hamilton

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to John Smith Hamilton (AO-2228034), Colonel, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an A-1E Pilot of the 602d Fighter Squadron (Commando), Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, SEVENTH Air Force, in action in North Vietnam on 19 April 1967. On that date, Colonel Hamilton was engaged in a search and rescue mission near Hoa Binh City when his aircraft was shot down by North Vietnamese MiG-17s. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Colonel Hamilton reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.