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 Captain James Quincy Collins, Jr. (AFSN: AO-3013431), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Air Operations Officer, 6441st Tactical Fighter Wing, in action in Southeast Asia, on 2 September 1965. On that date, Captain Collins was tasked with the destruction of a heavily defended bridge vital for supply to the insurgent forces. The importance of the bridge to the opposing force was underscored by the heavy concentration of anti-aircraft and automatic weapons placed in the area. As Captain Collins dove his aircraft toward the target, the sky became blanketed with exploding projectiles, and at the precise weapons release point his aircraft sustained a direct hit. Despite being urged by his wingman to abandon the aircraft, Captain Collins courageously continued to fly his crippled aircraft toward the target, delivering his bomb load with devastating accuracy. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Collins has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 2, 1965 – February 12, 1973
Captain James Quincy Collins, Jr. (AFSN: AO-3013431), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 2, 1965 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
36th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Captain James Quincy Collins, Jr. (AFSN: AO-3013431), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief of the 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia in 1965. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainAction Date:
September 2, 1965 – February 12, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Captain James Quincy Collins, Jr. (AFSN: AO-3013431), 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 2 September 1965 to 12 February 1965. 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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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 2, 1965 – February 12, 1973
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-141 (May 5, 1966)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain James Quincy Collins, Jr. (AFSN: AO-3013431), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 2 September 1965 to 12 February 1973. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 2, 1965 – February 12, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain James Quincy Collins, Jr. (AFSN: AO-3013431), United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an enemy armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. The North Vietnamese and 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 their 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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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 2, 1965 – February 12, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Captain James Quincy Collins, Jr. (AFSN: AO-3013431), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 2 September 1965 to 12 February 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.