Hoff, Alan N, LTJG

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.

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)