John Bazan
John Richard Bazan
John R. Bazan enlisted in the Navy in 1962. He was assigned to a Base in California, and later assigned to Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, California. He trained as a Gunner in the All- Volunteer Seawolves. He was assigned to HAL 3 Helicopter Attach Squadron who took part in Kiengang Province, Republic of Vietnam. He flew over 230 actual combat missions as a Crewman and Door Gunner in the UH-1B Helicopter, attached to Helicopter Attach (light) Squadron three, ADC. Bazan was cited for numerous acts of bravery as a Door Gunner, where his accurate and extremely effective fire at the enemy were deciding factors in the successful completion of his mission. His completed four tours of duty with Seawolves in Vietnam, one mission his helicopter was under heavy enemy fire M-60 exploded and threw shrapnel which hit his left shoulder. Throughout his 15 years of Naval Service, Chief Petty Officer Bazan received more than 27 Individual and Unit Awards, Commendations, and Medals – many for his participation in combat. These awards include 2 Single Action air medals with 28 Strike Flight Awards, 3 Navy Commendation Medals, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon , a Presidential Unit Citation , 3 Good Conduct Awards, 2 Armed Forces Expeditionary Awards , the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal .
