The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Collins Henry Haines (NSN: 0-9129178), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Fleet Coordinating Group while forward deployed to SEVENTH Fleet from May 1981 to January 1984. Captain Haines distinguished himself through noteworthy performance, extraordinary dedication, and exceptional competence. Displaying adroit diplomacy, tactical acumen, and resourcefulness, Captain Haines substantially increased inter-operability throughout the SEVENTH Fleet area of responsibility by skillfully interacting with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and the armies, navies, and air forces of all friendly Asian littoral nations. His innovative and farsighted initiatives markedly improved the conduct of numerous joint/combined exercises and operations and contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of Commander SEVENTH Fleet’s mission. By his distinctive achievements, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, Captain Haines reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Collins Henry Haines (NSN: 0-9129178), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Tactical Air Control Group ONE from March 1984 to September 1986. An extremely competent, resourceful, and innovative leader, Captain Haines masterfully managed and directed the operations of Tactical Air Control Group ONE and was most successful in obtaining optimum subordinate squadrons of his command. His personal initiative and detailed planning led to standardization of an Air Amphibious Refresher Training program for all West Coast amphibious ships, significantly increasing their overall readiness and safety. Captain Haines’ structuring and standardization of Close Air Support Training likewise was a direct and favorable influence on Pacific Fleet combat readiness. His many contributions to numerous major fleet exercises as a planner, tactician, and air advisor led to their overall success and proper utilization of air assets. Captain Haines’ innovating thinking and detailed planning were key factors in the introduction and tactical employment of the Unmanned Air Vehicle in the West Coast amphibious force. By his dynamic leadership, mature judgment, resolute determination, and inspiring devotion to duty, Captain Haines reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 5, 1967 – March 4, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Collins Henry Haines (NSN: 0-9129178), United States Navy, for heroic achievement while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 5 June 1967 to 4 March 1973. Under constant pressure from North Vietnamese interrogators and guards, he experienced harassment, intimidation and ruthless treatment in their attempt to gain military information and cooperative participation for propaganda purposes. He heroically resisted their routine cruelties and never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States. These actions served to inspire and improve the morale of his fellow prisoners in the camp. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 5, 1967 – March 4, 1973
Commander Collins Henry Haines (NSN: 0-9129178), United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from June 5, 1967 until his release on March 4, 1973.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 8, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Collins Henry Haines (NSN: 0-9129178), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam on 8 June 1967. Commander Haines’ captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Commander Haines reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 1967 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Collins Henry Haines (NSN: 0-9129178), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from June 1967 to March 1973. Under the most adverse of conditions, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States, never wavering in his devotion and loyalty to the United States. In an outstanding and tireless fashion he served as an educator to provide diversion and constructive rehabilitative thinking to his fellow prisoners during their long internment. Despite harsh treatment and a lack of material aids, he devoted long hours toward improving their morale and well-being. His extraordinary skill, resourcefulness, and dedication to duty throughout his lengthy confinement reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. (Commander Haines is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)