Navy Federal Credit Union

Pilot James Lyon was captured following an air crash on February 5, 1970, near Hue, South Vietnam. He was severely wounded in the crash with his body badly burned and one leg severed below the knee. It is believed he was killed by his Vietnamese captors the first night. The three surviving members of his crew were interned as Prisoners of War in South Vietnam and then North Vietnam, and held until their release on March 27, 1973. James Lyons remains have never been recovered.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain

    Regiment:

    2nd Brigade

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    April 22, 1969

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain James Michael Lyon, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving as Pilot of a UH1H Huey Helicopter of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 April 1969. Captain Lyon distinguished himself by gallantry in action when the helicopter he was piloting was attacked by enemy ground mortar fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Lyon, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    February 5, 1970 – February 6, 1970

    Captain James Michael Lyon, United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from February 5, 1970 until his death in captivity on or about February 6, 1970.