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 Dewey Wayne Waddell, United States Air Force, for heroic actions while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. During the period 20 July 1967 to 25 October 1967, Colonel Waddell cared for a fellow prisoner who was suffering from two dislocated shoulders, three major bone breaks, and in grave mental condition. For more than one hundred days and nights, Colonel Waddell took complete care of him with no help from the captors, setting and binding the broken bones as best he could. By being responsive to the every need of his fellow prisoner, Colonel Waddell saved his life. By his courageous actions and humanitarian regard for his fellowman in an environment of heavy enemy pressure, Colonel Waddell has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1215 (August 16, 1967)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 Dewey Wayne Waddell, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 19 June 1967. On that date, Major Waddell was a member of a flight of F-105s which was assigned the mission of rendering unusable a vital war materials plant deep in hostile territory. Although engulfed in intense anti-aircraft artillery fire and subject to attack by hostile interceptors and surface-to-air missiles, Major Waddell delivered his ordnance precisely on target resulting in its destruction. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Waddell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
May 1, 1985 – June 30, 1987
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 Dewey Wayne Waddell, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, Disaster Preparedness, and National Security Emergency Preparedness, 2400th Reserve Readiness Mobility Squadron, FOURTEENTH Air Force, Dobbins Air Force Base, Georgia, from 1 May 1985 to 30 June 1987. During this period, the exemplary leadership, ability, diligence, and devotion to duty of Colonel Waddell were instrumental factors in the resolution of complex problems of major importance to the Air Force and the Department of Defense in disaster preparedness and national security emergency preparedness. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Waddell 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:
MajorBatallion:
354th Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
355th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
July 5, 1967
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 the Silver Star to Major Dewey Wayne Waddell, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Pilot of the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 5 July 1967. On that date, Major Waddell was a member of a flight of F-105s which attacked and destroyed a key hostile railroad yard. The target was defended by one of the most accurate concentrations of anti-aircraft artillery in North Vietnam. Even though he received several direct hits from the deadly flak, Major Waddell continued his attack until he delivered his ordnance. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Waddell has reflected 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:
July 6, 1967
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 Lieutenant Colonel Dewey Wayne Waddell, United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 6 July 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. Colonel Waddell 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:
May 1968 – July 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 Dewey Wayne Waddell, 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 1968 to July 1969. 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 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:
July 1967 – July 1970
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 Dewey Wayne Waddell, 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 1967 to July 1970. 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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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 5, 1967 – March 4, 1973
Lieutenant Colonel Dewey Wayne Waddell, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from July 5, 1967 until his release on March 4, 1973.