THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Medal of Honor citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow soldiers. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Dear Cap Jon Swanson, Thank you for your service as a Rotary Wing Aviation Unit Commander - Helicopter Pilot and for receiving the MEDAL OF HONOR. Glad you were identified in 2002. Welcome Home. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Flag Day is tomorrow. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Captain Jon Edward Swanson was awarded, in addition to the Medal of Honor as set forth in a prior posting, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Jon Edward Swanson, United States Army (Reserve), for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Troop B, 1st Squadron (Airmobile) 9th Cavalry, in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Swanson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 4 December 1970 in the Republic of Vietnam. While in a visual reconnaissance mission, Captain Swanson's aircraft came under intense damaging hostile fire forcing the aircraft to ground. Having evacuated the crew on another aircraft, Captain Swanson stayed behind and with complete disregard for his own safety, flew the damaged helicopter out of the area. Throughout the flight there was imminent danger of an explosion due to unknown damage. Captain Swanson's outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/2044

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in Peace and Honor Jon.

Medal of Honor

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Captain Jon Edward Swanson, United States Army (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Troop B, 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, on 26 February 1971, while flying an OH-6A aircraft in support of ARVN Task Force 333 in the Kingdom of Cambodia. With two well-equipped enemy regiments known to be in the area, Captain Swanson was tasked with pinpointing the enemy's precise positions. Captain Swanson flew at treetop level at a slow airspeed, making his aircraft a vulnerable target. The advancing ARVN unit came under heavy automatic weapons fire from enemy bunkers 100 meters to their front. Exposing his aircraft to enemy anti-aircraft fire, Captain Swanson immediately engaged the enemy bunkers with concussion grenades and machine gun fire. After destroying five bunkers and evading intense ground-to-air fire, he observed a .51 caliber machine gun position. With all his heavy ordnance expended on the bunkers, he did not have sufficient explosives to destroy the position. Consequently, he marked the position with a smoke grenade and directed a Cobra gun ship attack. After completion of the attack, Captain Swanson found the weapon still intact and an enemy soldier crawling over to man it. He immediately engaged the individual and killed him. During this time, his aircraft sustained several hits from another .51 caliber machine gun. Captain Swanson engaged the position with his aircraft's weapons, marked the target, and directed a second Cobra gun ship attack. He volunteered to continue the mission, despite the fact that he was now critically low on ammunition and his aircraft was crippled by enemy fire. As Captain Swanson attempted to fly toward another .51 caliber machine gun position, his aircraft exploded in the air and crashed to the ground, causing his death. Captain Swanson's courageous actions resulted in at least eight enemy killed and the destruction of three enemy anti-aircraft weapons. Captain Swanson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Action Date: 26-Feb-71

Service: Army

Rank: Captain

Company: Troop B

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 9th Cavalry Regiment

Division: 1st Cavalry Division