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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
MCDONNELL DOUGLAS RF-4C PHANTOM II McDonnell Douglas RF-4C
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In the early 1960s, the USAF recognized the need for more tactical reconnaissance aircraft to reinforce the RF-101s then in service. The USAF chose a modification of the F-4C fighter. The RF-4C development program began in 1962, and the first production aircraft made its initial flight on May 18, 1964. The Air Force officially accepted a total of 499 RF-4Cs.
The RF-4C can carry a variety of cameras in three different stations in its nose section. It could take photos at both high and low altitude, day or night. The RF-4C carried no offensive armament, although during the last few years of its service some were fitted with four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for defense.
The 16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron became the first operational unit to fly the RF-4C. In October 1965 that unit deployed to Southeast Asia to provide photographic reconnaissance of the growing conflict in South Vietnam. In the following years, RF-4Cs flew reconnaissance missions around the world, including Desert Shield/Desert Storm in Iraq in 1990-1991. The Air Force retired all of its RF-4Cs by 1985.
The RF-4C on display was delivered to the USAF on Sept. 9, 1965. It served in Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Europe, Cuba and the Middle East. During Desert Shield/Desert Storm, this aircraft flew a total of 172 missions, more than any other F-4 aircraft. When flown to the museum in May 1994, it had more than 7,300 hours of flying time.