John W. Vogt Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John W. Vogt
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| Born | March 18, 1920 Elizabeth, New Jersey |
| Died | April 16, 2010 (aged 90) Melbourne, Florida |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1941–1975 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | Allied Air Forces Central Europe United States Air Forces in Europe Pacific Air Forces 360th Fighter Squadron |
| Battles/wars | World War II Vietnam War |
| Awards | Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (4) Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross (5) Bronze Star Medal Air Medal (4) Purple Heart |
General John William Vogt Jr. (born March 18, 1920 – died April 16, 2010) was a brave American pilot. He was known as a "flying ace" during World War II. This means he shot down many enemy planes. Later, he became a top leader in the United States Air Force. He commanded important air forces in Europe during the Cold War.
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John Vogt's Early Life and Training
John Vogt was born on March 18, 1920. His hometown was Elizabeth, New Jersey. He finished Thomas Jefferson High School in 1938. He then went to Yale University and Columbia University.
In 1941, John Vogt joined the Army Air Corps. This was the air force before it became the U.S. Air Force. He trained to be a pilot. In April 1942, he earned his pilot wings. He also became a second lieutenant.
Fighting in World War II
From April to December 1942, Vogt was a fighter pilot. He flew with the 63rd Fighter Squadron. In January 1943, he went to England. There, he completed his first combat tour. He was a flight commander.
In May 1944, he became the commander of the 360th Fighter Squadron. He completed a second combat tour. He took part in important air battles in Europe. He also helped with the Normandy Invasion. During these missions, he shot down eight enemy aircraft. This made him a "flying ace."
After World War II
After the war, John Vogt had many different jobs. From 1945 to 1946, he commanded an air base in Recife, Brazil. Later, he worked with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This group advises the President on military matters.
In 1955, he moved to Japan. He worked for the Far East Air Forces. The next year, he moved to Hawaii. He became a special assistant to the chief of staff. This was for the commander in chief, Pacific.
Leadership Roles in the Air Force
In 1960, Vogt worked at the U.S. Air Force Headquarters. He helped plan for the Air Force. He also worked with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He helped prepare the Air Force's plans.
In 1963, he became a director for the Secretary of Defense. He led a team of planners. They helped create political and military plans.
Serving in the Vietnam War
In 1965, John Vogt went to the Pacific Air Forces. He helped plan and direct air attacks during the Vietnam War. He left Hawaii in 1968. He then became an assistant deputy chief of staff. This was at the U.S. Air Force Headquarters.
In 1969, he joined the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was the director for operations. On July 20, 1970, he became the director of the Joint Staff. He held this job until April 1972. That's when he was promoted to general.
On April 10, 1972, he became commander of the Seventh Air Force. He was also deputy commander in Vietnam. He was in charge of air operations in Southeast Asia. This was for the last 18 months of U.S. combat. After the cease-fire, he commanded the U.S. Support Activities Group in Thailand. This group handled U.S. air activities in Laos and Cambodia.
Top Commander Positions
On October 1, 1973, he became commander in chief of Pacific Air Forces. In June 1974, he took command of Allied Air Forces Central Europe. He also commanded United States Air Forces in Europe. He is the only officer to have led both the U.S. Pacific and European Air Forces.
John Vogt retired from the Air Force on August 31, 1975. He passed away on April 16, 2010. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Awards and Decorations
General Vogt received many awards for his service:
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US Air Force Command Pilot Badge |
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Army Distinguished Service Medal |
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Silver Star |
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Legion of Merit |
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Distinguished Flying Cross with four oak leaf clusters |
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Bronze Star |
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Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters |
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Joint Service Commendation Medal |
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Army Commendation Medal |
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Purple Heart |
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Air Force Presidential Unit Citation |
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American Defense Service Medal |
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European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four bronze service stars |
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World War II Victory Medal |
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National Defense Service Medal with service star |
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Vietnam Service Medal with service star |
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Air Force Longevity Service Award with silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Croix de Guerre 1939–1945 (France) with silver-gilt star |
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National Order of Vietnam, Commander |
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Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm |
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Vietnam Air Service Medal |
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Order of the Cloud and Banner, 1st class (Republic of China) |
In 1973, Vogt received the General H.H. Arnold Award. This award recognized his great contributions to military aviation. It also honored his work in aerospace progress.
See also
- List of commanders of USAFE
