Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Other Memories
From: Smith, Mark (Mr NTDS), PO1 Nov 02, 2014 01:35 PM
More "The Right Stuff"
First off Thank you for admin this page. I served with Capt Mitchell towards the end of career on the USS John F. Kennedy was onboard the same time he was 74-78. I had two distinct memories of him, one was during the collision with the Belknap 22 Nov 75 Which is by the way when he came onboard, not in 74, he took command in 75 during the collision in Nov 75, I remember because Capt Guerrig was still in command . I was a boot third class in Coplot,(small area behind the bridge) we had one radar repeater and a DRT to aid the bridge in Surface operation. Immediately after the collision I remember Capt Guerig looking over the fires on deck and asking who that Officer was manning the fire hose on deck, you guessed it ... Capt Mitchell, he was due to take command in three days and here he was fighting fires. That is the definition of the Right Stuff.
The second memory I had was in 78 just before I transferred, me and several of my mates stood before him for Capt Mast..lol..seemed to be some discussion on weather we stole a row boat or borrowed it on night in Naples Itally and rowed it back to the ship which was anchored in the harbor, yes there was some alchol involved...lmao...Capt Mitchell had every right to take our crows, actually he should have, I just made second class, and because of that he only gave us suspended bust and 45 days restriction, very light actually, had I been busted I doubt I would stayed in the Navy. Of course we did get one more day on the beach before our restriction started..lol...to find and return the john boat to the owner to apologize and pay him $20 a piece for boat retail, $80 for boat retail was a pretty good deal in Italy 1975...lol...that is the kind of leadership we are missing today, we need to get back to his kind of leadership.
Here is a link to the wiki page on the collision with Belknap, it explains much more then the Kennedy page
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Belknap_(CG-26)
Once again Thank you hope I added some insight OS1 Mark Smith retired
Chain of Command
Promoted to Captain, his next assignment was in the Pentagon as F14A/AWG-9 Program Coordinator, Office of the Vice Chief of Naval Operations (Air).
Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Other Memories
From the summer of 1968 to the last summer of 1969 he did a tour with Task Force 77, six months each aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and the Constellation (CV-64).
Other Memories
From the summer of 1968 to the last summer of 1969 he did a tour with Task Force 77, six months each aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and the Constellation (CV-64).
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation MoreHide
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Other Memories
Promoted to LCdr, Mitchell reported VF-101 Grim Reapers, Det. Alpha, at NAS Oceana, Virginia. In February 1961 he transferred back to VF-74 and the USS Forrestal CV-59 until February 1964.
Other Memories
Promoted to LCdr, Mitchell reported VF-101 Grim Reapers, Det. Alpha, at NAS Oceana, Virginia. In February 1961 he transferred back to VF-74 and the USS Forrestal CV-59 until February 1964.
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Other Memories
Promoted to LCdr, Mitchell reported VF-101 Grim Reapers, Det. Alpha, at NAS Oceana, Virginia. In February 1961 he transferred back to VF-74 and the USS Forrestal CV-59.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Other Memories
In February 1959 he went to Washington D.C. and found that he was a candidate for astronaut selection, but was not chosen. His next assignment was Flight Test VF-74 ("Bedevilers") in the summer of 1960.
VF-74 (Bedevilers') had been flying F4D Skyrays was chosen for fleet introduction of the F4H Phantom. It would become the first squadron to deploy the F4 aboard USS Forrestal (CV-59).
Other Memories
In February 1959 he went to Washington D.C. and found that he was a candidate for astronaut selection, but was not chosen. His next assignment was Flight Test VF-74 ("Bedevilers") in the summer of 1960. In 1962 he was again a candidate, but again he was not chosen. In 1965 he received a third invitation to apply for NASA, this time for the Fifth Astronaut Group. He declined their invitation.
Other Memories
Assigned to the Carrier Suitability Branch as the F8 Project Pilot. The assignment included an F8U-1 and F8U-2 plus six maitenance technicians on station from Chance Vought aircraft to keep them flying.
Other Memories
Three months after graduating from Annapolis in June 1952, Mitchell undertook flight training. In December 1953 he received his wings as a naval aviator and was sent to NAS Kingsville, Texas, for jet training. Upon completing this in the spring of 1954, he was assigned to VF-193 ("Ghostriders") - a jet night fighter squadron - at NAS Moffett Field south of San Francisco, flying F2H-3 Banshees off the straight-deck carrier USS Oriskany (CV-34) where he worked directly with Alan Shepard (astronaut and ret. RAdm).
Other Memories
Three months after graduating from Annapolis in June 1952, Mitchell undertook flight training. In December 1953 he received his wings as a naval aviator and was sent to NAS Kingsville, Texas, for jet training. Upon completing this in the spring of 1954, he was assigned to VF-193 ("Ghostriders") - a jet night fighter squadron - at NAS Moffett Field south of San Francisco, flying F2H-3 Banshees off the straight-deck carrier USS Oriskany (CV-34) where he worked directly with Alan Shepard (astronaut and ret. RAdm).
Criteria The China Service Medal was awarded to Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel who: Served ashore in China or who were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of the operations in... The China Service Medal was awarded to Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel who: Served ashore in China or who were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of the operations in China between July 7, 1937, and September 7, 1939; or who Served ashore in China or were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of operations in China between September 2, 1945 and April 1, 1957. Military services performed in the Asiatic-Pacific area between September 2, 1945 and March 2, 1946 could be credited for eligibility for the China Service Medal unless the individual was eligible for the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal based on service performed prior to September 2, 1945. MoreHide
Other Memories
Three months after graduating from Annapolis in June 1952, Mitchell undertook flight training. In December 1953 he received his wings as a naval aviator and was sent to NAS Kingsville, Texas, for jet training. Upon completing this in the spring of 1954, he was assigned to VF-193 ("Ghostriders") - a jet night fighter squadron - at NAS Moffett Field south of San Francisco, flying F2H-3 Banshees off the straight-deck carrier USS Oriskany (CV-34).
Other Memories
Capt. John R.C. Mitchell, USN Retired, was born in Youngstown, OH, graduated from Quincy High School in 1947, from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952 and received his Navy Wings in 1953. He was a veteran having served in the US Navy for 28 years and was a candidate for the Mercury Astronaut Program.
Other Memories
Capt. John R.C. Mitchell, USN Retired, was born in Youngstown, OH, graduated from Quincy High School in 1947, from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952 and received his Navy Wings in 1953. He was a veteran having served in the US Navy for 28 years and was a candidate for the Mercury Astronaut Program.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Other Memories
During hight school he enlisted in the Marine Corps's inactive reserve, participating in monthly drills for a year, attending a two-weeek "mini boot camp", passing a general education exam and high school graduation. In June 1947, he graduated high school and joined the Marine Corps. Completing all requirements as a Private First Class (PFC) he was appointed to the USNA as a midshipman in June 1948.
a second Pentagon tour: Deputy, Carrier Programs Office. See uploaded documents: Revenge of Jimmy Carter.