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Casualty Info
Home Town Los Angeles, CA
Last Address La Mesa, CA
Casualty Date Mar 11, 1952
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Air Loss, Crash - Land
Location Korea, North
Conflict Korean War
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
Lieutenant Junior Grade Hoff was the pilot of a F9F-2P Pantherjet photographic fighter with Detachment H, Composite Squadron 61, aboard carrier USS VALLEY FORGE (CV-45). On March 11, 1952, while on a photographic mission 13 miles west of Jangdok, North Korea, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and exploded. His remains were not recovered.
Comments/Citation:
Service number: 466541
Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Alan N. Hoff (NSN: 0-466541), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as pilot of an unarmed jet photographic reconnaissance plane attached to Composite Squadron SIXTY-ONE (VC-61), and serving with Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED ELEVEN (VF-111), embarked in U.S.S. VALLEY FORGE (CV-45), during an important and dangerous mission taking aerial photographs of concentrated anti-aircraft gun positions that were located on the vital main rail line located west of Yangdok, North Korea on 11 March 1952. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hoff flew his plane at a dangerously low altitude on a straight course while taking the pictures, thereby denying him the advantage of using evasive tactics. He was taken under a withering and accurate cross fire by automatic and radar controlled heavy anti-aircraft guns, and even after receiving severe damage to his plane he continued on course through the increasing barrage of deadly flak. A few moments later his plane received additional hits, mortally wounding him. The plane rolled over and dived into the side of a mountain exploding upon impact. His complete disregard for his own safety and courageous devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. General Orders: Board Serial 316 (May 2, 1953) Action Date: March 11, 1952 Service: Navy Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade Battalion: Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111) Division: U.S.S. Valley Forge (CV-45)
3 distinct Navy squadrons have called themselves ‘Sundowners’. The U.S. Navy frequently has given the same designation to two or more aviation units, leading to lasting confusion. Officially, the US Navy does not recognize a direct lineage with disestablished squadrons if a new squadron is formed with the same designation.[1] Often, the new squadron will assume the nickname, insignia, and traditions of the earlier squadrons.
In 1985, VF-111 was one of several NAS Miramar based squadrons to participate in the filming of the film Top Gun. Some VF-111 and VF-51 aircraft were repainted in fictitious squadron markings for the film. To be able to film the sequences, the F-14s were fitted with cameras mounted in pods attached to the underbelly Phoenix pallets and the under wing pylons, as well as using ground mounted cameras. Also, one of the fictional RIOs in the film, played by Clarence Gilyard, uses the callsign "Sundown" and wears a VF-111 styled helmet and squadron patch on his flight suit.
VF-111 made seven Viet Nam combat cruises since 1964, flying over 12,500 missions over North and South Viet Nam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. In 1967-68 the squadron sent a detachment, OMAR's ORPHANS,to USS INTREPID's Air Wing TEN to provide fighter escort for the attack and photo aircraft embarked. A SUN DOWNER from the 1968 Det scored the Navy's 19th CRUSADER MIG kill when Lt, Tony Nargi shot down a MIG-21. In addition to numerous individual citations, FITRON ONE HUNDRED ELEVEN earned the Navy Unit Commendation for seven deployments, and the Meritorious Unit Citations for the 1969 cruise aboard USS TICONDEROGA.
