Last Known Activity:
He was captured and made a POW 3 times, twice in WWII (he escaped and was recaptured) and once in Vietnam.
His Silver Star (1 & 2 of 3) citations:
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Vernon Peyton Ligon, Jr. (AFSN: FR-33825), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander of the 11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam, on 24 October 1967. On that date, Colonel Ligon displayed outstanding aerial competence and courageous professionalism in the aggressive pursuance and acquisition of the assigned targets. The tenacity of this officer to attain the objective against formidable defenses is in accord with the highest military standards. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Ligon has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
General Orders: Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-160 (January 15, 1968)
Action Date: 24-Oct-67
Service: Air Force
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Company: 11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron
Division: Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Vernon Peyton Ligon, Jr. (AFSN: FR-33825), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander of the 11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam, on 19 November 1967. On that date, Colonel Ligon was shot down while participating in aerial flight in the execution of a high priority reconnaissance mission endeavoring to acquire vital intelligence data in support of the United States' commitment in Southeast Asia. His tenacity and fortitude were unquestionably displayed when he continued the pursuance of his assigned target after receiving battle damage. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Ligon has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Action Date: 19-Nov-67
Service: Air Force
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Company: 11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron
Division: Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand
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