Navy Federal Credit Union

Robert Schweitzer was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on January 5, 1968 and was held until his release on March 14, 1973. He died while still on duty at the Naval Station Treasure Island, San Francisco, California, on January 24, 1974.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    January 5, 1968 – March 14, 1973

    Commander Robert James Schweitzer, United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from January 5, 1968 until his release on March 14, 1973.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 144 (VA-144)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)

    Action Date:

    January 4, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Robert James Schweitzer, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 4 January 1968 as a pilot in Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FOUR (VA-144), embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63). As flight leader of a two-plane WALLEYE attack element, Commander Schweitzer planned a precision approach and attack to obtain optimum advantage for the weapons employed against the Haiphong Highway Bridge as the primary target and other standing major arterial bridges in the Haiphong area as secondary targets. After penetrating the intense anti-aircraft artillery and automatic-weapons fire to the target area, he ascertained that the primary target was obscured by smoke from targets previously struck by other air-wing strikes in the area. Commander Schweitzer then led his element through the continuing enemy fire to achieve a direct hit on the northernmost span of the nearby, still-standing Kien An Highway Bridge, achieving maximum destruction to this vital enemy transportation link. He then skillfully led his element through the increased enemy fire to safety without loss or damage to aircraft or injury to pilot. Commander Schweitzer’s courageous actions and outstanding aerial leadership reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.