Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
David
William
Sooter
POW (RVN)
1938-08-16

–

1980-01-01

Born:

Vallejo

, 

California

Home:

Vallejo

, 

California

David Sooter was interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia after he was shot down in South Vietnam on February 17, 1967, and was held until his release on March 5, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Chief Warrant Officer

    Division:

    Prisoner of War

    Action Date:

    November 6, 1967
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 56 (December 31, 1974)

    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 Chief Warrant Officer David William Sooter (ASN: W-3153961), United States Army, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam on 6 November 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. Chief Warrant Officer Sooter resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which demonstrated great devotion to duty and country in accord with the finest traditions of the military services.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Chief Warrant Officer

    Action Date:

    February 17, 1967 – March 5, 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 to Chief Warrant Officer David William Sooter (ASN: W-3153961), United States Army, for outstandingly meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Chief Warrant Officer Sooter consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding results. His rapid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in a combat environment greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy. Despite many adversities, he invariably performed his duties in a resolute and efficient manner. Energetically applying his sound judgment and extensive knowledge, he has contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the United States mission in the Republic of Vietnam. His loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Chief Warrant Officer

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    February 17, 1967 – March 5, 1973

    Chief Warrant Officer David William Sooter (ASN: W-3153961), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from February 17, 1967 until his release on March 5, 1973.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Chief Warrant Officer

    Batallion:

    1st Squadron

    Regiment:

    10th Cavalry Regiment

    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 the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer David William Sooter (ASN: W-3153961), United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty as a UH-1 Iroquois and OH-23 Raven helicopter pilot with Troop D, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, in action against the enemy in South Vietnam in 1967. His outstanding courage and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.