The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Charles Donald Rice (NSN: 0-9161513), United States Navy, for meritorious service from May 1968 to February 1969 as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 1968 to February 1969. As a member of a composite team of officer POW’s, he was instrumental in devising ingenious methods of forced feeding and manual physical exercise for a fellow POW who had been tortured beyond the limits of mental and physical endurance. In addition, he provided medical care, attended to matters of personal hygiene, attempted mental therapy, and participated in an around-the-clock surveillance watch over the well being of his fellow POW. Despite his own sickness and constant harassment from the armed guards, he never wavered in his dedication to his fellow prisoners. His demonstrated qualities of loyalty, sacrifice, and heroism in directly saving his fellow POW’s life reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Charles Donald Rice (NSN: 0-9161513), United States Navy, for heroic achievement while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in October 1967. Under constant pressure from North Vietnamese interrogators and guards, he experienced harassment, intimidation and ruthless treatment in their attempt to gain military information and cooperative participation for propaganda purposes. He heroically resisted their routine cruelties and never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States. These actions served to inspire and improve the morale of his fellow prisoners in the camp. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]