THE WALL OF FACES

Without people like you our great nation would not exist. Rest in peace COL. Hamilton, I salute your brave soul.

Dear Col John Smith Hamilton,
Thank you for your service as a Single Seat Attack Aircraft Pilot. I am glad you were identified in 1997. Welcome Home. The war was years ago, but we all need to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Colonel John Smith Hamilton, Served with the 602nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Air Commando Wing, 7th Air Force.

Air Force Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Major John Smith Hamilton (AFSN: 0-2228034), United States 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, in action in Southeast Asia, on 19 April 1967. On that date, Major Hamilton, without regard for personal safety, led his flight of A-1Es into one of the most heavily defended areas in Southeast Asia to initiate a search and rescue attempt for two downed F-105 pilots. Numerous enemy fighters had been reported in the area, and adequate cover for Major Hamilton's rescue effort could not be provided due to the remaining F-105s having to leave the area for refueling. Major Hamilton elected to save time and remain in this extremely hostile environment to await the return of his air cover, as the impending darkness increased the threat of capture of the two downed pilots. At this point in time, his flight was attacked by four MiG-17 aircraft, and in a valiant attempt to defend his flight, Major Hamilton's propeller driven aircraft was destroyed. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Hamilton reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Action Date: 19-Apr-67

Service: Air Force

Rank: Major

Company: 602d Fighter Squadron (Commando)

Division: Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

Distinguished Flying Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Major John Smith Hamilton (AFSN: 0-2228034), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1E Pilot in Southeast Asia on 6 and 7 January 1967. During this period, Major Hamilton, flying a mission in support of a friendly outpost being overwhelmed by a numerically superior hostile force, braved accurate and intense automatic weapons fire to make repeated low level attacks in close proximity to friendly forces. His flight of A-1E Skyraiders operated in mountainous terrain and hazardous weather conditions to destroy hostile weapons emplacements and troops within fifty meters of friendly positions, forcing them to break off their attack, and continued strikes along their live of retreat over a two day period. Numerous casualties are known to have been inflicted upon the hostile forces, despite repeated battle damage to strike aircraft. As a result of these devastating attacks, the hostile forces ceased to function as a unit. The key outpost, vital to the entire search and rescue alert posture in Southeast Asia, survived solely as a result of these A-1E attacks during the two day period. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Hamilton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Action Date: January 6 & 7, 1967

Service: Air Force

Rank: Major

Company: 602d Fighter Squadron (Commando)

Division: Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand