This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Ligon, Vernon Payton, Jr., Col USAF(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Frankfort, Kentucky
Last Address Lake City, Florida
Date of Passing Feb 28, 1995
Location of Interment Florida Memorial Gardens - Rockledge, Florida
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)
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.
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel Vernon Peyton Ligon, Jr. (AFSN: FR-33825), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam.
Aircraft/Missile Information
Model Boeing B-47E-IV Stratojet Length 108.01 ft | 32.92 m Width 116.14 ft | 35.40 m Height 0.00 ft | 0.00 m Engine(s) 6 x General Electric J47-GE-25 turbojets generating 7,200lbs of thrust each. 1 x 36,000lb rocket system for JATO launch. Empty Weight 79,073 lbs | 35,867 kg MTOW 229,999 lbs | 104,326 kg Max Speed 600 mph | 965 km/h | 521 kts Max Range 3,870 miles | 6,228 km Ceiling 40,499 ft | 12,344 m | 7.7 miles Climb Rate 4,350 ft/min (1,325.88 m/min) Hardpoints 0 Armament 2 x 20mm cannons in rear-facing remote tail turret assembly.
25,000lbs of internal ordnance Accommodations 3 or 4 Operators the United States of America
