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Navy Federal Credit Union
Myron
Lee
Donald
POW (RVN)
May 20, 1943

–

Myron Donald graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Class of 1965. He was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on February 23, 1968 and was held until his release on March 14, 1973. He retired in 1986 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    497th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Action Date:

    October 6, 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 Myron Lee Donald (AFSN: FR-80331), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C pilot with the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia on 6 October 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Donald was executing a special, night low-level mission against a vital logistics and transportation network. Despite adverse weather conditions and the threat of intense antiaircraft fire, Lieutenant Donald pressed his attack down to minimum altitude to insure the necessary accuracy. His courageous action resulted in dealing a major blow to the hostile forces’ supply efforts. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Donald reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    January 1969 – December 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 Captain Myron Lee Donald (AFSN: FR-80331), 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 January 1969 to December 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 upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    February 1968 – February 1971

    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 Myron Lee Donald (AFSN: FR-80331), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from February 1968 to February 1971. 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, this individual continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected 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:

    February 23, 1968 – March 14, 1973

    Captain Myron Lee Donald (AFSN: FR-80331), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from February 23, 1968 until his release on March 14, 1973.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    November 1968 – July 1970

    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 Myron Lee Donald (AFSN: FR-80331), United States Air Force, for meritorious achievement as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from November 1968 to July 1970. With complete disregard for his own safety and personal welfare in a period of severe enemy harassment, he voluntarily took complete care of a seriously wounded fellow prisoner who was not receiving any treatment from the North Vietnamese. By his courageous actions and humanitarian regard for his fellowman in an environment of heavy enemy pressure and brutal treatment, he has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.