John Gary Griffith
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy

On 24 February 1968, then-Lieutenant John Gary Griffith was serving as a naval flight officer in Attack Squadron Thirty-Five (VA-35), embarked in U.S.S. Enterprise (CVA(N)-65), in the Republic of Vietnam.

On that date, as the leading Bombardier/Navigator, LT Griffith flew on a night air strike against a vital and heavily defended port facility in the heart of North Vietnam. Navigating his A-6A Intruder aircraft at perilously low altitudes in the monsoon weather, LT Griffith successfully penetrated intense and accurate enemy defenses en route to the target. Ignoring the threatening surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery defending the target area, LT Griffith maintained a steady radar tracking of the target until bomb release, thereby ensuring an optimum bombing solution. Because of his daring and highly professional navigation and radar-bombing skill, LT Griffith's bombs found their mark, inflicting heavy damage upon the port facilities. LT Griffith's courage and technical competence that night earned him the U.S. Navy's second highest award for valor, the Navy Cross.

Both LT Griffith and his Pilot, Commander Glenn Kollmann, Squadron Commander of VA-35 [Honoree Record ID 258700], received the Navy Cross for this mission.

On 6 March 1968, LT Griffith participated in a coordinated night air strike against a vital and heavily defended industrial complex in the heart of North Vietnam. LT Griffith navigated his aircraft at perilously low altitude in monsoon weather to successfully penetrate the intense and accurate enemy defenses. Although subjected to heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire, and constantly threatened by surface-to-air missiles, LT Griffith succeeded in reaching his objective, accurately dropping his bombs, and inflicting heavy damage to the target. LT Griffith's courageous actions and outstanding professional competence that night earned him the U.S. Navy's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

On 12 March 1968, LT Griffith and CDR Kollmann's A-6A Intruder aircraft malfunctioned during a night catapult launch from its carrier and ditched right off the catapult. Both men were listed as Missing in Action, and neither man's remains have ever been recovered.

Medals and Awards

Navy Cross
Silver Star Medal
Distinguished Flying Cross with 4 Gold Stars
Air Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Naval Flight Officer Badge

Navy Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] John Gary Griffith (NSN: 0-588219/1320), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in aerial flight on 24 February 1968 as a naval flight officer in Attack Squadron THIRTY-FIVE (VA-35), embarked in U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CVA(N)-65). As leading Bombardier/Navigator, Lieutenant Commander Griffith flew on a night air strike against a vital and heavily defended port facility in the heart of North Vietnam. Navigating his aircraft at perilously low altitudes in the monsoon weather, he successfully penetrated intense and accurate enemy defenses en route to the target. Disregarding the threatening surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery defending the target area, Lieutenant Commander Griffith maintained a steady radar tracking of the target until bomb release, thereby ensuring an optimum bombing solution. Because of his daring and highly professional navigation and radar-bombing skill, his bombs found their mark, inflicting heavy damage upon the port facilities. By his technical competence, courage, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of intense enemy opposition, Lieutenant Commander Griffith contributed materially to United States efforts in Southeast Asia and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] John Gary Griffith (NSN: 0-588219/1320), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in aerial flight on 6 March 1968, as a naval flight officer in Attack Squadron THIRTY-FIVE (VA-35), embarked in U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CVA(N)-65). Participating in a coordinated night air strike against a vital and heavily defended industrial complex in the heart of North Vietnam, Lieutenant Commander Griffith navigated his aircraft at perilously low altitude in monsoon weather to successfully penetrate the intense and accurate enemy defenses. Although subjected to heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire, and constantly threatened by surface-to-air missiles, he succeeded in reaching his objective, accurately dropping his bombs, and inflicting heavy damage to the target. By his courageous actions, outstanding professional competence, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of intense enemy oppositions, Lieutenant Commander Griffith upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Honors

The name John G Griffith is located on Panel 44E Line 29 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Memorialization

The remains of Lieutenant Commander John Gary Griffith have never been recovered. He is memorialized by having his name inscribed on Court B of the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial in Honolulu, Honolulu County, HI.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94251174/john-gary-griffith