John Kizirian
American military officer
Died when: 77 years 328 days (934 months)Star Sign: Aries
John Kizirian (Armenian: ??? ????????) (April 2, 1928 - February 26, 2006) was a highly decorated member of the United States Armed Forces for over three decades and served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Kizirian enlisted in the United States Navy near the end of World War II at the age of 17.In 1949, he applied for a transfer to the Army and became a sergeant.
During the Korean War, he fought in the infantry in numerous front line battles, becoming a lieutenant and platoon leader.
By the Vietnam War, Kizirian was an intelligence officer who frequently led troops in special combat missions.After 30 years of service, Kizirian retired from the military as a colonel in 1975, but returned to duty again to serve as the U.S.
Defense Representative in Indonesia from 1980 to 1984.Believed to be one of the most decorated Armenian-Americans ever to serve, Kizirian earned the Distinguished Service Cross, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit (4 awards), Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star with V Device (6 awards), the Purple Heart (3 awards), and the Air Medal (14 awards).
With a total of sixty-six decorations and awards, Kizirian is regarded as the most highly decorated Army Intelligence officer in United States history.
One of Kizirian's greatest achievements was his uncovering of the Tet Offensive after studying more than 400 intelligence reports and briefing General Creighton Abrams.
According to his obituary, "The warning very likely saved thousands of American and South Vietnamese lives.Like his work in uncovering the Tet Offensive, most of his accomplishments and successes took place behind the scenes."
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