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 Major Richard Dale Vogel (AFSN: 15503980), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4C Aircraft Commander of the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action at Bac Giang, North Vietnam, on 21 April 1967. On that date, Major Vogel participated in a flight of two aircraft against a vital ammunition depot in North Vietnam. Under constant threat from hostile gun positions, surface-to-air missile sites, and attack from hostile interceptors, Major Vogel inflicted considerable damage to strategic supplies of the unfriendly forces. Unmindful of the extreme risk to his own life, Major Vogel displayed outstanding heroism and professional leadership, which led to the successful completion of this difficult mission. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Vogel has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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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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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
497th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
Vietnam War
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Order G-961 (July 5, 1967)(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 Major Richard Dale Vogel (AFSN: 15503980), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4C Aircraft Commander of the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia. 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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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 Major Richard Dale Vogel (AFSN: 15503980), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Aircraft Commander near Lang Key, North Vietnam on 10 March 1967. On that date, while executing a night armed reconnaissance mission under marginal weather conditions, in extremely hazardous terrain, Major Vogel was able to locate and destroy a valuable supply train delivering materials to the hostile force. With great determination and courage, in the face of extremely heavy ground fire, Major Vogel inflicted considerable damage to a vital element in the hostile line of supply. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Vogel reflect great credit upon himself and 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:
May 22, 1967 – March 4, 1973
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Dale Vogel (AFSN: 15503980), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 22, 1967 until his release on March 4, 1973.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 22 – 30, 1967
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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Richard Dale Vogel (AFSN: 15503980), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force from 22 May 1967 to 30 May 1967, 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 Vogel 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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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 28, 1974 – May 31, 1976
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 Richard Dale Vogel (AFSN: 15503980), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Director and Director of Personnel Programs, Deputy Chief of Staff/Personnel, Headquarters Air Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, from 28 June 1974 to 31 May 1976. In this important position, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Vogel resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of personnel programs Air Force wide. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Vogel culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and 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:
April 28, 1968 – July 15, 1969
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 Richard Dale Vogel (AFSN: 15503980), United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an enemy armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 28 April 1968 to 15 July 1969. 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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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 1967 – April 1972
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 Richard Dale Vogel (AFSN: 15503980), 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 May 1967 to April 1972. 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.