Navy Federal Credit Union

Edward Elias was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on April 20, 1972 and was held until he accepted an EARLY RELEASE on September 25, 1972.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Regiment:

    432d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing

    Division:

    Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Lieutenant Colonel Edward Knight Elias (AFSN: AF-74567/AO-3115696), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia while serving with the 432d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy in Southeast Asia in 1971/1972. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 to Lieutenant Colonel Edward Knight Elias (AFSN: AF-74567/AO-3115696), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia while serving with the 432d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy in Southeast Asia in 1971/1972. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Lieutenant Colonel Edward Knight Elias (AFSN: AF-74567/AO-3115696), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia while serving with the 432d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy in Southeast Asia in 1971/1972. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty 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.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    April 20, 1972 – September 25, 1972

    Lieutenant Colonel Edward Knight Elias (AFSN: AF-74567/AO-3115696), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from April 20, 1972 until his release on September 25, 1972.