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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Air Force SGT John Levitow.
Congressional Medal of Honor
AC-47 Spooky gunship in action in Vietnam.
Episode 2928 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Air Force SGT John Levitow. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.
Amidst the chaos of the Vietnam War, Air Force Sergeant John Levitow, a loadmaster on an AC-47 “Spooky” gunship, displayed extraordinary bravery that would etch his name in history. It was February 24, 1969, when his courage turned a dire situation into a tale of heroism.
Levitow’s aircraft was on a nighttime mission over South Vietnam, providing flares and suppressive fire to support ground troops under attack. Suddenly, a North Vietnamese mortar shell exploded inside the aircraft, shredding the fuselage with shrapnel and leaving Levitow gravely injured. Bleeding and disoriented, he could barely stand.
Amid the smoke and chaos, Levitow noticed a loose magnesium flare rolling dangerously close to the open cargo door. The flare’s igniter was already armed, seconds from detonation, threatening to engulf the aircraft in flames. Despite his injuries, Levitow summoned every ounce of strength. Crawling through pools of his own blood, he dragged himself across the vibrating floor.
With just moments to spare, Levitow threw his body onto the flare, cradling it against his wounds. He hurled it out of the plane, where it exploded harmlessly in midair. His actions saved the lives of his crew and preserved the mission.
For his unparalleled valor, SGT John Levitow became the only enlisted member of the Air Force to receive the Medal of Honor during Vietnam. His selflessness under fire remains a timeless testament to the courage of ordinary individuals who achieve the extraordinary.
Listen to Episode 2928 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Air Force SGT John Levitow.
Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army 2LT Robert Leisy.
