Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel Thomas Edward Schaefer (AFSN: FR-31023/0-3014410), United States Air Force. Colonel Schaefer distinguished himself by exceptionally superior service as Defense and Air Attach, United States Defense Attach Office, Tehran, Iran, from July 1978 through October 1979. By his assiduousness and dedication during the arduous and personally hazardous period prior to and after the Iranian revolution, Colonel Schaefer made significant contributions to the success of American intelligence efforts in strategically important Iran. Despite an increasingly hostile atmosphere, compounded by Iranian fear and an uncontrollable security and political situation after the Iranian insurrection, Colonel Schaefer was able to persist in the maintenance of lucrative contact and influence with Iranian officials and with the successful representation of the Departments of Defense and of the Air Force. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Schaefer reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
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Awards Received
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 1978 – October 1979
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 24, 1981 – August 31, 1982
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 Colonel Thomas Edward Schaefer (AFSN: FR-31023/0-3014410), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 900, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington, from 24 July 1981 to 31 August 1982. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Schaefer resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program. His dynamic leadership and total dedication served as cornerstones in preparing outstanding young men and women for Air Force leadership positions. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Schaefer culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
December 7, 1968 – December 6, 1969
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas E. Schaefer (AFSN: FR-31023/0-3014410), United States Air Force, for meritorious service as Operations Staff Officer of the Strategic Air Command Advanced Echelon, Headquarters SEVENTH Air Force, Republic of Vietnam, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force from 7 December 1968 to 6 December 1969. During this period Lieutenant Colonel Schaefer consistently demonstrated professional ability, sound judgment, and great enthusiasm in overcoming the many involved problems associated with his duties. His superb performance and personal contributions assisted materially in the success of the United States effort in Southeast Asia. The exemplary leadership, professional endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Schaefer in this responsible position reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (Iran)Action Date:
November 4, 1979 – January 20, 1981
Colonel Thomas Edward Schaefer, United States Air Force, was held hostage in Iran from 4 November 1979 to 20 January 1981, while assigned as U.S. Air Force Attach, United States Embassy, Teheran, Iran. He was among the sixty-five Americans taken prisoner and held in captivity for 444 days by armed Iranian terrorists who were directly supported by the Government of Iran. During this period of confinement, he and other hostages were subjected to abominable conditions and constant harassment from their captors. The hostages were continuously used in several forms of propaganda such as being paraded in front of media cameras while blind folded and hands tied behind their backs. Throughout the duration of their captivity, the hostages were held in conditions comparable to those under which persons have generally been held captive by enemy forces during periods of armed conflict. Despite the harsh conditions, he continuously provided an example for all other Americans to emulate through his adherence to the Code of Conduct.