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Navy Federal Credit Union
Edward
John
Mechenbier
POW (RVN)
June 29, 1942

–

Edward Mechenbier graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1964. He was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on June 14, 1967, and was held until his release on February 18, 1973. he retired in 2004 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    November 1967 – October 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 Captain Edward John Mechenbier (AFSN: FR-78807), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious service while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from November 1967 through October 1971. 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    390th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    February 23, 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 First Lieutenant Edward John Mechenbier (AFSN: FR-78807), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Aircraft Commander of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia on 23 February 1967. On that date, while engaged in an extremely hazardous strike mission, Lieutenant Mechenbier successfully attacked moving targets along a heavily defended route. In spite of intense anti-aircraft artillery fire directed at his flight, he completed his mission in a highly successful manner. On return to base, he experienced radio failure and made a radio out landing on the wing of the lead aircraft when the home base was below landing minimums. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Mechenbier reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    November 20, 1992 – June 30, 2004
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order G-204 (June 23, 2004)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Edward John Mechenbier (AFSN: FR-78807), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from 20 November 1992 through 30 June 2004, culminating as Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, Headquarters, Air Force Material Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, from 2000 to 2004. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Mechenbier culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    390th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    January 19, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Edward John Mechenbier (AFSN: FR-78807), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Aircraft Commander of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia on 19 January 1967. On that date, while assigned to the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron at DaNang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, Lieutenant Mechenbier flew an extremely hazardous F-101 reconnaissance escort mission. Although his flight was repeatedly exposed to hostile aircraft, intense ground fire, and numerous surface-to-air missiles, he completed his mission in a highly successful manner. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Mechenbier reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    390th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    June 14, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1988 (November 11, 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 First Lieutenant Edward John Mechenbier (AFSN: FR-78807), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an F-4C fighter airplane of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia on 14 June 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Mechenbier flew in a flight of four F-4C tactical fighters against a railroad yard in a highly defended area. The attack inflicted heavy damage on the target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Mechenbier reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    June 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1988 (November 11, 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 Captain Edward John Mechenbier (AFSN: FR-78807), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during June 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. Captain Mechenbier 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.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    June 14, 1967 – February 18, 1973

    Captain Edward J. Mechenbier (AFSN: FR-78807), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from June 14, 1967 until his release on February 18, 1973.