John Smith Hamilton
Colonel, U.S. Air Force

John Smith Hamilton enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1945 and, after serving in a period of active and reserve duty, was discharged in 1950. On 3 March 1952, he enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Air Force and, following completion of flight training, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and awarded the rating of Pilot on 16 March 1953.

On 19 April 1967, then-Major John Smith Hamilton was serving as an A-1E Skyraider Pilot of the 602nd Fighter Squadron (Commando), Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, during the Vietnam War.

On that date, Maj Hamilton led his flight of 2 A-1E Skyraiders into one of the most heavily defended areas in Southeast Asia to initiate a search and rescue attempt for 2 downed F-105 Thunderchief pilots. Numerous enemy fighters had been reported in the area, and adequate cover for Maj Hamilton's rescue effort could not be provided due to the remaining F-105s having to leave the area for refueling. Maj 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 2 downed pilots. At this point in time, Maj Hamilton's flight was attacked by four MiG-17 aircraft and, in a valiant attempt to defend his flight, Maj Hamilton's propeller-driven aircraft was destroyed. Maj Hamilton’s extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces that day earned him the U.S. Air Force's second highest award for valor, the Air Force Cross.

Maj Hamilton was listed as Missing in Action but, on 21 March 1979, was declared killed in action / body not recovered, based on a presumptive finding of death. His remains were later found, identified and repatriated to the United States in October 1997. [Source: https://www.pownetwork.org/bios/h/h010.htm]

During the years he was MIA, Hamilton was promoted to the rank of Colonel.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Air Force Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross
Purple Heart
Air Medal with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Presidential Unit Citation with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star
Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars
Air Force Longevity Service Award with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Command Pilot Badge

Air Force Cross Citation

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.

Honors

The name John S Hamilton is located on Panel 18E Line 48 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Colonel John Smith Hamilton is buried at the Fort Bayard National Cemetery in Fort Bayard, Grant County, NM, in Section F, Row I, Site 13.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/744551/john-smith-hamilton