Thomas Madison was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on April 19, 1967, and was held until his release on March 4, 1973.
Sponsored by:
Thomas
Mack
Madison
POW (RVN)
April 2, 1929
–
June 30, 2017
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
April 24, 1967
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 Colonel Thomas Mack Madison (AFSN: AO-2249519), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 24 April 1967, 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. Colonel Madison 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.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
April 1967 – May 1972
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 Mack Madison (AFSN: AO-2249519), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from April 1967 to May 1972. His ceaseless efforts, by a continuous showing of resistance to an enemy who ignored all international agreements on treatment of Prisoners of War, in the extremely adverse conditions of the communist prisons of North Vietnam, demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion, and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, he continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
May 27, 1979 – October 31, 1983
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 Legion of Merit to Colonel Thomas Mack Madison (AFSN: AO-2249519), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director of Accounting and Finance, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, from 27 May 1979 to 31 October 1983. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Madison resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the Accounting and Finance operations in the Pacific Command. His extensive knowledge of Accounting and Finance operations proved to be an invaluable asset during a period of dynamic changes in Accounting and Finance systems and entitlements. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Madison culminate a long and distinguished career in the service to his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Thomas Mack Madison (AFSN: AO-2249519), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105F Pilot near Thai Nguyen, North Vietnam, on 18 April 1967. On that date, Major Madison disregarded his own personal safety, effectively suppressed the surface-to-air missile site activity in the target area of the fighter-bomber force and successfully placed his ordnance directly on one surface-to-air missile installation. In spite of heavy ground fire, surface-to-air missile threats and hostile aircraft in the area, Major Madison remained in the area and aggressively engaged the hostile, threatening surface-to-air missile sites upon every encounter. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Madison reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
April 19, 1967 – March 4, 1973
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Mack Madison (AFSN: AO-2249519), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from April 19, 1967 until his release on March 4, 1973.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
367th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
April 19, 1967
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 Major Thomas Mack Madison (AFSN: AO-2249519), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105F Pilot of the 367th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 19 April 1967. On that date, with complete disregard for his personal safety, Major Madison aggressively engaged surface-to-air missile sites threatening the fighter-bomber force in the target area, and successfully placed his ordnance directly on a surface-to-air missile installation. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Madison has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.