The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Arvin Roy Chauncey (NSN: 0-4664083/641788), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Training Air Wing THREE from March 1981 to July 1983. During this period, Captain Chauncey’s exemplary performance of duty was directly responsible for the superb achievements and improved programs within his command that ensured the production of top quality Naval Aviators to the Fleet. His unique ability to analyze the situation and formulate the correct path to follow established him as a natural leader. Through his inspirational guidance, Training Air Wing THREE Compiled an unprecedented record of accomplishment in the areas of Safety, Operations, and Maintenance. Captain Chauncey played an instrumental role in making Training Air Wing THREE the acknowledged “Benchmark” in every area throughout the Chief of Naval Air Training Command. By his outstanding leadership, perceptive judgment, and selfless devotion to duty, Captain Chauncey reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 31, 1967 – March 4, 1973
Commander Arvin Roy Chauncey (NSN: 0-4664083/641788), United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 31, 1967 until his release on March 4, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
April 1968 – July 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Arvin Roy Chauncey (NSN: 0-4664083/641788), United States Navy, for heroic achievement while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from April 1968 to July 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 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:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 1967 – August 1970
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 Commander Arvin Roy Chauncey (NSN: 0-4664083/641788), United States Navy, for meritorious service as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from November 1967 to July 1968 and from July 1969 to August 1970. 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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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 31, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Arvin Roy Chauncey (NSN: 0-4664083/641788), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during an extremely daring escape from a Prisoner of War stockade on 31 May 1967. Upon being shot down and captured near Kep, North Vietnam, Commander Chauncey was taken to a series of Chinese-manned gun sites and threatened. In the evening, he was turned over to Vietnamese militia with his arms bound, and continually suffered severe treatment throughout the night. Awaiting the most propitious moment, he escaped into a heavy rainstorm and continued to run in the brush evading and outdistancing his captors. After the rain storm diminished, his captors formed a hand-to-hand search line and discovered him several hours later, at about daybreak. His distinctive act of heroism in risking his life in this daring escape is an inspiration to future American fighting men. Through his exceptional courage, determination, and inspiring fighting spirit, Commander Chauncey reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 1967 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Arvin Roy Chauncey (NSN: 0-4664083/641788), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 1967 to March 1973. By his diligent efforts, exceptional leadership, devotion and loyalty to the United States, and under the most adverse of conditions, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States. While in daily contact with the North Vietnamese guards and officers, he performed duties in staff positions, maintaining good order and discipline among the prisoners. Under constant harassment from their captors, and due to the frustrations of the prisoners during their long internment, many difficult situations arose, requiring perseverance, endurance and ingenuity. Using his extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and sound judgment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. (Commander Chauncey is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 1967
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 Commander Arvin Roy Chauncey (NSN: 0-4664083/641788), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in June 1967. Commander Chauncey’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, Commander Chauncey reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.