AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-4E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander John Olene Holland for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as pilot of an A4E aircraft while attached to and serving with Attack Squadron FIFTY-SIX embarked in USS TICONDEROGA (CVA 14) during a highly successful Attack Carried Air Wing FIVE coordinated strike against the Haiphong Highway Bridge in North Vietnam on 19 April 1966. While flying as division leader of the A4E aircraft in the strike group, Lieutenant Commander Holland distinguished himself by inspiring heroic leadership and superb airmanship. He expertly maintained flight integrity enroute to the target in spite of low cloud conditions that necessitated flight below 100 feet in mountainous terrain. When the strike group was opposed by an intense and accurate concentration of anti-aircraft fire and multiple surface-to-air missiles in the target area, Lieutenant Commander Holland skillfully led his division through violent evasive maneuvers and with extraordinary airmanship positioned them for a closely coordinated dive bombing attack. His precisely executed weapons delivery run resulted in three direct hits on a central span of the bridge and contributed significantly to the destruction of three spans of the strategically vital Haiphong Highway Bridge. Lieutenant Commander Holland's inspiring leadership, resolute airmanship and heroic actions in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and multiple surface-to-air missiles were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.