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 Lieutenant Colonel Philip Eldon Smith (AFSN: AO-3080193/50087A), 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 to September 1969. His ceaseless efforts under extremely adverse conditions demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion and loyalty to his country. Despite harsh treatment during this period, Colonel Smith continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 18, 1980 – July 20, 1983
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Philip Eldon Smith (AFSN: AO-3080193/50087A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 7206th Air Base Group, Hellenikon Air Base, Greece, from 18 June 1980 to 20 July 1983. Colonel Smith provided outstanding leadership and guidance to United States military, civilians and their dependents during a period of increasing uncertainty in Greece. Despite disruptive labor unrest Colonel Smith ensured United States Air Force personnel and resources were protected. His personal leadership during this period was the key ingredient in defusing a potentially hazardous situation. Additionally, his superior initiative and ceaseless determination resulted in significant improvements in the quality of life programs at Hellenikon Air Base. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Smith reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 1968 – January 1971
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 Lieutenant Colonel Philip Eldon Smith (AFSN: AO-3080193/50087A), 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 August 1968 to January 1971. 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.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
December 31, 1984 – June 30, 1987
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Philip Eldon Smith (AFSN: AO-3080193/50087A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief, Support Inspection Division, Directorate of Inspection, Headquarters Air Force Inspection and Safety Center, Norton Air Force Base, California, from 31 December 1984 to 30 June 1987. Colonel Smith’s keen ability to detect and correct operational and managerial deficiencies in diverse areas and develop innovative approaches to solving problems have resulted in invaluable contributions to Air Force effectiveness and to the security and strength of the nation. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Smith culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 1970
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 Lieutenant Colonel Philip Eldon Smith (AFSN: AO-3080193/50087A), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during September 1970, 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. Lieutenant Colonel Smith 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.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 1969
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 Lieutenant Colonel Philip Eldon Smith (AFSN: AO-3080193/50087A), United States Air Force, for heroic actions in connection with military operations as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in September 1969. Colonel Smith suffered constant harassment, intimidation and cruelties for denying information and cooperative participation for propaganda. This American heroically resisted routine cruelties in a manner which served as an inspiration to others in the camp and reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 20, 1965 – March 15, 1973
Lieutenant Colonel Philip Eldon Smith (AFSN: AO-3080193/50087A), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 20, 1965 until his release on March 15, 1973.