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Navy Federal Credit Union
James
Downs
Latham
POW (RVN)
June 26, 1946

–

James Latham was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on October 5, 1972, and was held until his release on March 29, 1973. He retired in 1997 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Defense Superior Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Brigadier General James Downs Latham, United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of Brigadier General Latham reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    October 5, 1972 – March 29, 1973

    First Lieutenant James Downs Latham (AFSN: 710409), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 5, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Brigadier General James Downs Latham (AFSN: 710409), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Latham and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    October 1972 – March 1973

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 First Lieutenant James Downs Latham (AFSN: 710409), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 5 October 1972 to 29 March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    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 Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James Downs Latham (AFSN: 710409), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand in Southeast Asia from 1970 to 1972. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    March 3, 1971
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-0293 (1972)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James Downs Latham (AFSN: 710409), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand in Southeast Asia from 1970 to 1972. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    December 1, 1995 – July 31, 1997
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-305 (June 20, 1997)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General James Downs Latham (AFSN: 710409), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Latham distinguished himself as Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia, from 1 December 1995 to 31 July 1997. In this most important position, General Latham provided outstanding leadership to the United States Air Force in the development and implementation of security assistance policy and programs. He directly supported United States government objectives by strengthening cooperative ties around the world through supervision of a one hundred five billion dollar security assistance program, establishing technology release policy, and by building foundations for future coalitions. Through his efforts more countries will share a greater part of regional defense through interoperability with the United States Air Force. Moreover, he provided key counsel and advice to the highest offices of the United States Air Force, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Department of States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Latham culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-2790 (1971)

    (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 First Lieutenant James Downs Latham (AFSN: 710409), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand in Southeast Asia from 1970 to 1972. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    November 2, 1972
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-754 (August 5, 1974)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain James Downs Latham (AFSN: 710409), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 2 November 1972, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. Captain Latham resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    435th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    April 9, 1971
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-0028 (January 5, 1972)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant James Downs Latham (AFSN: 710409), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia, on 9 April 1971. On that date, Lieutenant Latham flew as a Forward Air Controller into an extremely hazardous air environment in support of a friendly reconnaissance team under attack by a superior hostile force. Despite marginal weather conditions and in the face of intense ground fire, Lieutenant Latham made repeated attacks against the hostile positions resulting in their breaking contact allowing the friendly forces to be evacuated from the area without casualties. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Latham has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.