John Floyd Mullins

Major John Floyd Mullins was born on 20 December 1942 in Frederick, Oklahoma and raised on a farm near Mountain Park. He enlisted in the Army immediately after graduating from Mountain Park High School in 1960.

After completing Infantry Basic Training and the Airborne School, he was recruited by the Army Special Forces. He trained as a medic and was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group and served a six-month tour in Vietnam in 1963.

Upon his return to the States, he graduated from the Infantry Officer Candidate School, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, and then completed the Army Ranger School.

Mullins then volunteered for a second Vietnam tour and returned to the 5th Special Forces. For his actions on 29-30 May 1966, he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry. His citation reads in part, "…Mullins distinguished himself by… valorous actions… he charged into the hostile positions … killed the insurgents at two weapon emplacements."

In the fall of 1968, he volunteered to return to Vietnam for a third tour and worked as a Field Operations Officer, Detachment 53 Long Ton MACVSOG. On 26 May 1969, in a then classified insertion of agents into Laos, Mullins was recommended for a second Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action. The award was never properly processed.

Representative Frank Lucas (OK) assisted in rectifying the oversight. Congressman Lucas presented Mullins with his second Silver Star on 24 September 2012, 31 years post-retirement and 43 years post-action.

Mullins retired from the Army in 1981. In addition to his two Silver Stars, Mullins’ awards and decorations include three Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal and Air Medal.

Mullins continues to share his expertise worldwide as a specialist and trainer in security and anti-terrorism planning. He continues to live on the Southwest Oklahoma farm started by his grandparents.