Rear Admiral James Bond Stockdale (NSN: 0-485624), United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 9, 1965 until his release on February 12, 1973.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Medal of Honor
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Fighter Squadron 51 (VF-51)Division:
U.S.S. Ticonderoga (CVA-14)Action Date:
August 2 – 4, 1964
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander James Bond Stockdale (NSN: 0-485624), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while attached to and serving as Commanding Officer of Fighter Squadron FIFTY-ONE (VF-51), embarked in U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CVA-14), in repelling North Vietnamese torpedo boat attacks against the U.S.S. MADDOX in international waters on 2 and 4 August 1964, and during a retaliatory air strike against North Vietnamese torpedo boats and supporting facilities on 5 August 1964. On 2 August 1964 Commander Stockdale led a flight of four jet fighter aircraft to the scene of MADDOX’s surface action in the Gulf of Tonkin and marshaled a counterattack on the North Vietnamese torpedo boats which left one dead in the water and burning, and the remainder retreating with severe damage from his flight’s strafing hits. On the night of 4 August, Commander Stockdale was again airborne over MADDOX in response to a call for assistance as enemy PT boats again attacked. While flying at low altitude above the surface engagement at great personal risk, he made repeated rocket and strafing attacks under conditions of poor weather and extreme darkness, returning to his parent carrier only after he had expended all his ordnance and was faced with fuel starvation. On 5 August, he tactically planned, briefed, and as strike leader, subsequently led an eminently successful retaliatory air strike by a large force of Air Wing FIVE airplanes against a key North Vietnamese torpedo boat facility. His outstanding personal marksmanship contributed materially to the destruction of his assigned primary target and his flight element’s subsequent vital damage to the beaching of a large enemy patrol boat nearby. Throughout these engagements, he repeatedly demonstrated expert and daring airmanship in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire without regard for his personal safety. Commander Stockdale’s exceptional competence, exemplary leadership, courageous and selfless action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 1965 – September 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral James Bond Stockdale (NSN: 0-485624), United States Navy, for meritorious service as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 1965 to September 1967. Through his ceaseless efforts, in an atmosphere of enemy harassment, threat of torture and brutal treatment, he established and maintained intracamp communications. At great risk and in spite of further cruelty, he continued to devise many unusual and ingenious methods of communications, resulting in American and Allied prisoners resisting the enemy’s demands and at the same time improving the prisoners’ morale. By his heroic endeavors, exceptional skill, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral James Bond Stockdale (NSN: 0-485624), United States Navy, for heroic achievement while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in August 1969. Under constant pressure from North Vietnamese interrogators and guards, he experienced harassment, intimidation and ruthless treatment in their attempt to gain military information and cooperative participation for propaganda purposes. He heroically resisted their routine cruelties and never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States. These actions served to inspire and improve the morale of his fellow prisoners in the camp. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
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Medal of Honor
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 4, 1969
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Rear Admiral James Bond Stockdale (NSN: 0-485624), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while Senior Naval Officer in the Prisoner of War camps of North Vietnam on 4 September 1969. Recognized by his captors as the leader in the Prisoners’ of War resistance to interrogation and in their refusal to participate in propaganda exploitation, Rear Admiral Stockdale was singled out for interrogation and attendant torture after he was detected in a covert communications attempt. Sensing the start of another purge, and aware that his earlier efforts at self-disfiguration to dissuade his captors from exploiting him for propaganda purposes had resulted in cruel and agonizing punishment, Rear Admiral Stockdale resolved to make himself a symbol of resistance regardless of personal sacrifice. He deliberately inflicted a near-mortal wound to his person in order to convince his captors of his willingness to give up his life rather than capitulate. He was subsequently discovered and revived by the North Vietnamese who, convinced of his indomitable spirit, abated in their employment of excessive harassment and torture toward all of the Prisoners of War. By his heroic action, at great peril to himself, he earned the everlasting gratitude of his fellow prisoners and of his country. Rear Admiral Stockdale’s valiant leadership and extraordinary courage in a hostile environment sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
1968 – February 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral James Bond Stockdale (NSN: 0-485624), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from a period in 1968 to February 1973. During this period, although under constant surveillance from his captors, Rear Admiral Stockdale performed duties involving highly classified material in an exemplary and professional manner. Through his zealousness and ingenuity, he generated new ideas and improvised techniques greatly enhancing covert operations. Although in a hostile environment, he never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States and his fellow prisoners. By his inspiring courage, exceptional skill, and resourcefulness, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 1965 – February 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral James Bond Stockdale (NSN: 0-485624), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as the Senior Ranking Officer of a Prisoner of War Camp from September 1965 to February 1973. By his diligent efforts, perseverance, devotion and loyalty to the United States, and under the most adverse of conditions, Rear Admiral Stockdale resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States. He provided superb leadership and guidance to his fellow prisoners of war during extended periods of severe pressures from his captors in their attempt to gain information for propaganda purposes. Formulating firm and explicit guidelines, he set a pattern of resistance for all to follow. His extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and sound judgment reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 15/PD-258 (May 17, 1965)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander James Bond Stockdale (NSN: 0-485624), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commanding Officer and a Pilot in Carrier Air Wing TWELVE (CVW-12), in action in Southeast Asia in 1965. By his skill, courage and devotion to duty, Commander Stockdale upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Board Serial 1825 (October 28, 1965)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander James Bond Stockdale (NSN: 0-485624), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. Commander Stockdale’s dynamic and inspiring leadership, marked professional competence, and enthusiastic devotion to the fulfillment of his responsibilities, reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. (Commander Stockdale is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Vice AdmiralDivision:
U.S. Naval War College, Newport, Rhode IslandAction Date:
October 1977 – August 1979
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale (NSN: 0-485624), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as President. U.S. Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, from October 1977 to August 1979. Through unique personal example and dedicated involvement, Vice Admiral Stockdale strongly and successfully promoted the need, value, and priority of advanced, intellectual military education. His innovative expansion of the Electives Program, increased emphasis on war gaming, and his extensive exposure to the public through his writings, appearances, and news coverage profoundly enhanced the image of the Naval War College. In an assignment that demanded the utmost in versatility, perseverance, and resourcefulness, Vice Admiral Stockdale gave unstintingly of his time and professional expertise and contributed significantly to the attainment of excellence in professional military education. By his inspiring leadership, measured forcefulness, tireless energy, and unswerving dedication to duty, Vice Admiral Stockdale reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
February 1966
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Rear Admiral James Bond Stockdale (NSN: 0-485624), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in February 1966. Rear Admiral Stockdale’s captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Rear Admiral Stockdale reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.