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U.S. Army COL John Islin funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery
Episode 3213 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the life and service of Army COL John Islin. The story is titled: A Legacy of Courage: U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot Survived Two Tours in Vietnam and appeared on the Arlington National Cemetery website. The story was submitted by Kevin M. Hymel.
Hymel reported that Family and friends gathered in Section 37 of Arlington National Cemetery on Jan. 22, 2026, to honor U.S. Army Col. John “Jack” Islin, a decorated Vietnam War helicopter pilot remembered as both a hero and devoted family man. During two combat tours in Vietnam, Islin repeatedly flew into intense enemy fire, keeping himself and his crews alive in harrowing conditions.
Pastor Guillermo Figueredo noted that members of his congregation had long described Islin as a hero, adding that he likely faced more danger than he ever shared. During the Battle of Binh Gia in December 1964, Islin flew Vietnamese marines into combat with the 118th Assault Helicopter Company. When Viet Cong forces ambushed the first wave and disguised themselves to lure in more helicopters, Islin came under heavy fire. As enemy troops rushed his aircraft, he defended his crew with his pistol—an act he did not reveal to his son Frank until decades later.
On his second tour in 1970, Islin commanded the 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion during the Cambodia campaign. After a transmission failure over dense jungle, he narrowly avoided crashing, landing safely in a shell crater clearing despite believing he might hit the treetops.
Following a 20-year Army career, Islin held aviation leadership roles, including with the American Helicopter Society and Sikorsky’s Development Flight Test Center. At his funeral, marked by full military honors and a list of prestigious medals, loved ones remembered his quiet strength, dedication to family, and steady leadership in war and peace.
Listen to Episode 3213 and discover more about the life and service of Army COL John Islin.
