The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Burton Wayne Campbell (AFSN: AO-3122594), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Forces, in North Vietnam, on 1 July 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Campbell was the Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief that struck and destroyed a heavily defended target deep in hostile territory. Despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Campbell pressed the attack and delivered his bombs squarely on target, rendering it impassable. He demonstrated heroism of the highest order and distinctive professional airmanship as he directed his aircraft against his target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Campbell has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Legion of Merit
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
-
Prisoner of War Medal
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 1966 – July 1969
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 Major Burton Wayne Campbell (AFSN: AO-3122594), 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 July 1966 to July 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.
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 1969 – January 1973
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 Major Burton Wayne Campbell (AFSN: AO-3122594), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement as a Prisoner of War while engaged in operations against an opposing armed force in North Vietnam during the period May 1969 to January 1973. In an atmosphere of enemy harassment and brutal treatment, he continued to establish and maintain communications through unusual and ingenious methods, which resulted in American and Allied prisoners presenting a posture of increased resistance to the enemy’s wishes, and, at the same time, improving prisoner morale. By his heroic endeavors and devotion to duty under adverse conditions of his environment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Burton Wayne Campbell (AFSN: AO-3122594), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 22 June 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Campbell was tasked with providing protection for other flights from SA-2 missile sites deep in hostile territory. During an attack on one of the threatening missile sites, Lieutenant Campbell positioned his rocket and camera-laden F-105 in front of his flight to draw fire away from them, and to photograph the effectiveness of the AOM-45 against SA-2 missile sites. Lieutenant Campbell courageously followed the AOM-45 through a hail of flak to confirm its success and to further damage the site with 20-mm. cannon fire. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Campbell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May – June 1969
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major Burton Wayne Campbell (AFSN: AO-3122594), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period May to June 1969, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions and propaganda materials. Major Campbell resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 1, 1966 – February 12, 1973
Major Burton Wayne Campbell (AFSN: AO-3122594), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from July 1, 1966 until his release on February 12, 1973.