A/1c John L. Levitow
submitted by:
Aurie Stonecypher
On February 24, 1969,
while flying in a AC - 47,
A/1c John L. Levitow
stunned and wounded by shrapnel, flung
himself on an activated, smoking magnesium flare,
dragged himself and the flare to the open cargo door,
and tossed the flare out of the aircraft.
For saving his fellow crew members and the gunship,
Because of his heroic efforts,
A/1c John L. Levitow
became the lowest ranking airman in history
to be awarded the
Medal of Honor.
WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Air Force Sergeant John L. Levitow,
one of only 16 airmen awarded the Medal of Honor
for exceptional heroism during wartime
died Nov. 8 at his home in Connecticut
after a lengthy battle with cancer.
He was 55.
President Richard M. Nixon
presented the Medal of Honor to Levitow
on Armed Forces Day, May 14, 1970, at the White House.
Links to the story of Levitow John L.
Medal of Honor citation report
Jewish Recipients of the Congressional
Medal of Honor:
Contents:
Home Page
Feedback