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 Lieutenant Colonel Louis Frank Makowski (AFSN: FR-47317), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during October 1966 as 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 Makowski 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 1966 – October 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 Louis Frank Makowski (AFSN: FR-47317), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 1966 to October 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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-978 (1966)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 Louis Frank Makowski (AFSN: FR-47317), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-57 navigator-bombardier over North Vietnam on 17 September 1966. On that date, Major Makowski successfully destroyed a heavily defended hostile supply depot. In spite of marginal weather and intense ground fire, Major Makowski disregarded his own personal safety and continued his attack until this vital installation was destroyed. The outstanding heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Major Makowski 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:
December 12, 1979 – June 30, 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 Louis Frank Makowski (AFSN: FR-47317), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Deputy Commander for Maintenance, 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, and Special Assistant to the Commander, 14th Air Division, Beale Air Force Base, California, from 12 December 1979 to 30 June 1983. The leadership, foresight and executive abilities of Colonel Makowski resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness of the Air Division in its space and missile warning surveillance, bombardment, air refueling, reconnaissance and emergency war order capabilities. His extraordinary performance in these demanding assignments significantly influenced the outcome of many programs critical to the defense of the United States of America. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Makowski 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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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 6, 1966 – March 4, 1973
Lieutenant Colonel Louis Frank Makowski (AFSN: FR-47317), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 6, 1966 until his release on March 4, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
February 1, 1970 – January 15, 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 Colonel Louis Frank Makowski (AFSN: FR-47317), United States Air Force, for outstanding achievement in a position of leadership while detained as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 1 February 1970 to 15 January 1973. Colonel Makowski performed duties dealing in highly classified material while under constant surveillance of the enemy. He generated new ideas and improvised new techniques which greatly enhanced covert operations. His outstanding performance and dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.