The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Airman First Class William Andrew Robinson (AFSN: 14782798), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Helicopter Mechanic in Detachment 3, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam, in action in North Vietnam, on 17 May 1965. On that date, Airman Robinson, Flight Mechanic of an Air Rescue Service HH-43B helicopter, participated in an extremely hazardous recovery of a downed pilot. The mission required a flight of over 200 miles, mostly over hostile controlled areas. With complete disregard for his personal safety and despite heavy hostile fire, Airman Robinson assisted in the successful recovery of the downed pilot through a most difficult hoist pick-up in a dense jungle area. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Robinson has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 1966
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant William Andrew Robinson (AFSN: 14782798), United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an enemy armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam during the above period. The North Vietnamese interrogators and guards kept constant pressure on this officer through harassment, intimidation, and cruelties from which they hoped to gain information and cooperative participation in their propaganda exercises. This individual heroically resisted this treatment in a manner which served as an inspiration to others in the camp and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
the Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to First Lieutenant William Andrew Robinson (AFSN: 14782798), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 1965 – September 1969. His ceaseless efforts, by a continuous showing of resistance to an enemy who ignored all international agreements on treatment of Prisoners of War, in the extremely adverse conditions of the communist prisons of North Vietnam, demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion, and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, he continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Airman First ClassBatallion:
38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
Tan Son Nhut Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
September 20, 1965
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Airman First Class William Andrew Robinson (AFSN: 14782798), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Helicopter Mechanic in Detachment 3, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam, in action 40 miles south of Vinh, North Vietnam on 20 September 1965. On that date, Airman Robinson participated in an extremely hazardous attempted recovery of a downed pilot. The mission required a flight of over 80 miles, mostly over hostile controlled territory. Evaluation of the environment in which the downed pilot was located indicated that maximum performance would be demanded from each crew member if successful recovery was to be effected. Though exposed to intensive hostile ground fire, Airman Robinson, with complete disregard for his own safety, performed with courage and professional precision in a supreme effort to rescue a fallen comrade. Airman Robinson’s courageous action and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the American Fighting Man Under Attack by an Opposing Armed Force. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness, Airman Robinson reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 20, 1965 – February 12, 1973
First Lieutenant William Andrew Robinson (AFSN: 14782798), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 20, 1965 until his release on February 12, 1973.