Navy Federal Credit Union

Jack Trimble graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Class of 1970. He was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on December 27, 1972 and was held until his release on March 29, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    September 9, 1972

    Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders GB-0220 (1972)

    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 with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Jack R. Trimble (AFSN: 14910476), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer, while stationed at Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, on 9 September 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Trimble participated in a flight of four F-4 tactical fighter aircraft on a combat air patrol mission in support of a friendly strike force attacking the northeast railroad in North Vietnam. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Trimble disrupted an attack on the friendly force by four hostile aircraft, and later gave valuable assistance which contributed directly to the successful recovery of a downed aircrew. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Trimble reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    December 6, 1972

    Headquarters, 13th Air Force, Special Orders GA-643 (1972)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Jack R. Trimble (AFSN: 14910476), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer over Southeast Asia on 6 December 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Trimble led a flight of four F-4D fighter-bombers to strike Bai Thuong Airfield in North Vietnam. Despite the constant threat of hostile aircraft and surface-to-air missiles, and while being tracked by heavy and accurate anti-aircraft artillery, Lieutenant Trimble rolled in on the target and successfully cratered the runway. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Trimble reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    December 27, 1972

    Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders GB-0387 (1973)

    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 with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Jack R. Trimble (AFSN: 14910476), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon System Officer over Southeast Asia on 27 December 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Trimble participated in a flight of four F-4D fighter-bombers providing hostile aircraft protection to a strike force of A-7 Corsairs on a mission over Hanoi, North Vietnam. Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire and numerous surface-to-air missiles, in addition to engaging and diverting a hostile aircraft, Lieutenant Trimble was able to provide continuous protection to the strike force, allowing the successful completion of their mission. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Trimble reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    December 27, 1972 – March 29, 1973

    First Lieutenant Jack R. Trimble, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 27, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    December 1972 – March 1973

    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 Captain Jack R. Trimble (AFSN: 14910476), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious service while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 1972 to 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 has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    July 18, 1972

    Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders GB-0208 (1972)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Jack R. Trimble (AFSN: 14910476), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer, while stationed at Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, on 18 July 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Trimble participated in a flight of four tactical fighter aircraft on an air superiority mission in support of a friendly strike force over the Hanoi area of North Vietnam. When a flight of hostile aircraft attacked the earlier air superiority flight during its egress from the target area in a low fuel state, Lieutenant Trimble, with complete disregard for his own safety, participated in the engagement of these hostile aircraft. The excellent support given to his flight leader contributed directly to the downing of a hostile aircraft after a high speed, low altitude chase. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Trimble reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.