Navy Federal Credit Union

Jose Luna was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on March 10, 1967, and was held until his release on March 4, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    354th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    355th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    January 2, 1967

    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 Captain Jose David Luna, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Electronic Warfare Officer with the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia on 2 January 1967. On that date, Captain Luna was in the lead aircraft of an “Iron Hand” surface-to-air missile suppression flight supporting a fighter sweep by United States Air Force fighter aircraft against hostile interceptors. Captain Luna’s skillful interpretation of electronic information enabled his flight to successfully negate the surface-to-air missile threat to the fighter force in spite of very marginal weather conditions which posed a grave threat. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Luna reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    354th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    355th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    March 10, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Jose David Luna, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Electronic Warfare Officer with the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 10 March 1967. On that date, Captain Luna provided vital information to ensure the successful strike on a major steel mill complex. Then at great risk to his own safety, he attacked a surface-to-air missile site while flying through intense and deadly antiaircraft artillery fire. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Luna has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    March 10, 1967 – March 4, 1973

    Captain Jose David Luna, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from March 10, 1967 until his release on March 4, 1973.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    354th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    355th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    January 29, 1967

    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 Captain Jose David Luna, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Electronic Warfare Officer with the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia on 29 January 1967. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from unfriendly forces, Captain Luna demonstated cool courage, undaunted determination, and superior sksill in pressing home devastating air attacks against hostile positions. Persevering in the face of danger, he relentlessly and effectively aided in neutralizing the hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Luna reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    March 10, 1967 – March 15, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an 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 Jose David Luna, United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam during the period 10 March 1967 to 15 March 1967. 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 Abbott 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.