LIEUTENANT GENERAL JOHN P. FLYNN was awarded the Air Force Cross for extraordinary heroism while a prisoner of war in North Vietnam from October 27, 1967 to November 10, 1967. Captured at the height of the air war, General Flynn, the most senior officer in captivity, was exposed to forceful interrogation, intimidation, and brutal treatment because the enemy believed he was withholding invaluable tactical information. Although suffering severe injuries, he was beaten and tortured for military information which, if obtained by the Vietnamese, would clearly have jeopardized the lives of those still flying. By his display of heroic resistance through the ordeal of extreme cruelties, Lieutenant General Flynn reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

General Flynn joined the Legion of Valor in 1977.