Jack Butcher was interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia after he was shot down in Laos on March 24, 1971. He was held in Laos for six weeks before he escaped and evaded the enemy for a few hours before he was re-captured. His second escape attempt freed him for ten days during which American forces became aware of frantic communist efforts to apprehend him and launched their own massive but unsuccessful rescue effort. He was subsequently re-captured and held until his release on March 28, 1973.
Sponsored by:
Jack
Meyring
Butcher
POW (RVN)
April 12, 1946
–
November 18, 2018
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
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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 First Lieutenant Jack Meyring Butcher (AFSN: FV-3247719), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 18 March 1971. On that date, Lieutenant Butcher flying a vulnerable OV-10 aircraft, directed tactical fighters against an extremely lucrative supply ammunition storage area. Despite intense and accurate ground fire and a damaged aircraft, Lieutenant Butcher was able to direct his strike flight to the destruction of the target, resulting in numerous secondary explosions, and sustained fires. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Butcher reflect 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 (Laos)Action Date:
March 24, 1971 – March 28, 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 Captain Jack Meyring Butcher (AFSN: FV-3247719), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 24 March 1971 to 28 March 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.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (Laos)Action Date:
March 24, 1971 – March 28, 1973
Captain Jack Meyring Butcher (AFSN: FV-3247719), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from March 24, 1971 until his release on March 28, 1973.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
April 1 – 10, 1971
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 Jack Meyring Butcher (AFSN: FV-3247719), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period 1 April 1971 to 10 April 1971, 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. Captain Butcher 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.