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 Major Paul Anthony Kari, United States Air Force, for heroic achievement in connection with operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from March 1966 to June 1966. Major Kari was detained by the Vietnamese at a camp called “Briar Patch” which was characterized by daily harassment, duress, and torture. Major Kari resisted the enemy’s attempts to extract military information and propaganda statements and suffered beatings and tight handcuffs torture that impaired normal usage of his hands for weeks. By his heroic resistance of the enemy’s cruel and barbaric treatment Major Kari was an inspiration to all fellow prisoners thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Army. Great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

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 Major Paul Anthony Kari, 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 October 1965 to January 1967. 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.