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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)
Name: Alan Hoff Birth Date: 8 Nov 1923 Birth City: Los Angeles State Registered: California Death Date: 11 Mar 1952 Death Country: Korea Death Description: Killed in Action War: Korean War Title: Lieutenant Junior Grade, U.S. Navy Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade Service: U.S. Navy Service ID: 466541
Notes: 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. For his leadership and valor, Lieutenant Junior Grade Hoff was awarded the Silver Star, the Air Medal, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.