Air Force Commendation Medal

chapter 3 to love and serve

The Air F orce Commendation Medal was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on March 28, 1958, for award to members of the Armed F orces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Air force after March 24, 1958, shall have distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement and service. The degree of merit must be distinctive, though it need not be unique. Acts ofcourage which do not involve the voluntary risk oflife required for the Soldier’s Medal may be considered for the Air Force Commendation Medal.

John D. St. John, S.J.

Chaplain (Colonel) John D. St. John distinguished himselffor meritorious service as StaffChaplain, Ninth Air Force, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, from 25 June 1957 to 1 November 1959. During this period ofunprecedented operational activity and frequent overseas deployment by units ofthis command, Chaplain St. John’s dynamic personality and tireless efforts were an inspiration to the commanders and unit chaplains charged with maintaining the morale and spiritual welfare ofNinth Air Force personnel. In addition Headquarters United States Air Force has accepted a plan conceived by Chaplain St. John for sending selected members ofthe USAF Chaplain Corps to civilian institutions oflearning to receive specialized training. Designed to enhance the professional qualifications and prestige ofAir Force chaplains, this program will yield far reaching benefits throughout the Air Force. Chaplain St. John’s initiative, devotion to duty, and unflagging concern for the welfare ofothers have reflected great credit upon himself, Ninth Air Force and Tactical Air Command. John D. St. John, S.J.

Chaplain (Lieutenant Colonel) John D. St. John distinguished himselfby meritorious service as a member ofthe USAF Catholic preaching mission team, Office ofthe ChiefofAir Force Chaplains, Headquarters USAF, during the period 12 May 1949 to 19 July 1955. During this period Chaplain St. John traveled 238,082 air miles, which included 1228:58 hours offlying time, to conduct Catholic preaching missions within every oversea Air Force Command. In carrying out these preaching missions, Chaplain St. John and his co-missioner conducted 218 missions, 1,203 evening services, 2,624 Masses and administered 64,462 Holy Communions. It is estimated that 387,784 Air Force personnel and their dependents ofthe Catholic faith took part in these mission activities. Through his efforts as a member ofthe Catholic preaching mission team, Chaplain St. John has brought spiritual benefits and enlightenment to personnel ofthe Catholic faith and in turn advanced the program ofthe Air Force Chaplains Six-Point Program in developing the spiritual well being and morale ofAir Force Catholic personnel. In accomplishing his duties in such an outstanding manner, Chaplain St. John has reflected great credit upon himselfand the United States Air Force.