Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Hamilton
Bruce
Shawe
, Jr.
POW (Korea)
June 29, 1923

–

December 25, 2002

Cemetery:

Cremated

Hamilton Shawe graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1946. He retired in 1971 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Korea)

    Action Date:

    December 1, 1950 – September 10, 1953
    NARA Database: Repatriated Korean Conflict Prisoners of War, 7/5/1950 – 10/6/1954

    First Lieutenant Hamilton Bruce Shawe, Jr. (AFSN: 0-17395), United States Air Force, was captured by communist forces after he was shot down over North Korea on 1 December 1950, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his release on 10 September 1953, during Operation Big Switch at the end of the war.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    8th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Action Date:

    November 6, 1950
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 106 (February 10, 1951)

    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 Hamilton Bruce Shawe, Jr. (AFSN: 0-17395), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 8th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron on 6 November 1950, in Korea. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    8th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Regiment:

    543d Tactical Support Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    October 1, 1950
    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 73 (February 25, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Hamilton Bruce Shawe, Jr. (AFSN: 1739A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States, while serving as a Pilot of a Reconnaissance Aircraft of the 8th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 543d Tactical Support Group, FIFTH Air Force, in Korea, on 1 October 1950. First Lieutenant Shawe displayed an exceptional degree of flying skill, courage and competence. Alone in an unarmed reconnaissance aircraft, he flew 425 miles to his target, the port of Wonsan in Korea. Upon reaching his objective he made repeated photographic runs at a dangerously low altitude over the strongly defended beach and port area. In spite of his aircraft being repeatedly hit by enemy ground fire, Lieutenant Shawe continued making passes until his mission of nine runs was completed. Information gained from the excellent photographs taken by Lieutenant Shawe proved invaluable to the United Nations forces in their subsequent planning for the landing at Wonsan. Lieutenant Shawe’s conspicuous gallantry and outstanding skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    October 18, 1965
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-426 (May 25, 1966)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton Bruce Shawe, Jr. (AFSN: 0-17395), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Control Pilot over Southeast Asia on 18 October 1965. On that date, Colonel Shawe directed rescue operations for two downed pilots in hostile territory. In spite of poor weather conditions, intense hostile fire3, and length of time spent in hostile territory, Colonel Shawe made an outstanding effort to rescue the downed pilots. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Shawe reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    8th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Action Date:

    August 29, 1950
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 140 (December 28, 1950)

    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 Hamilton Bruce Shawe, Jr. (AFSN: 0-17395), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 8th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron on 29 August 1950, in Korea. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.