The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel [then Major] John Howard Dunn (MCSN: 0-59941), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while interned as a Prisoner of War (POW) in North Vietnam from January 1970 to April 1971. During March of 1970, Lieutenant Colonel Dunn unhesitatingly assumed the duties of Senior Ranking Officer while the actual officer holding this billet was placed in solitary confinement. Later in 1970, he actively participated in the formulation of the Fourth Allied Prisoner of War Wing, which was to become the formal prisoner organization. By so doing, Lieutenant Colonel Dunn helped establish a unified prisoner front through which he and his fellow POW’s could coordinate and make more effective their resistance demands of the enemy. Designated Deputy for Operations representing the Marine Corps, he utilized his exceptional leadership traits to furnish a positive example and to establish a closer camaraderie amongst all the prisoners in the camp. By his exemplary courage and devotion to the United States under the most adverse of conditions, Lieutenant Colonel Dunn reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Armed Forces. (Lieutenant Colonel Dunn is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Legion of Merit
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Prisoner of War Medal
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Silver Star
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Colonel [then Major]Division:
Prisoner of War in North VietnamAction Date:
December 1965 – 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 Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel [then Major] John Howard Dunn (MCSN: 0-59941), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 1965 to February 1973. Under extremely adverse conditions, Colonel Dunn remained indomitable and persevering and carried out his responsibilities as a leader by maintaining good order and discipline among other United States Prisoners of War. Despite torture, savage beatings, and innumerable interrogations, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in propaganda programs detrimental to the United States and in subversion of the United States military organization. In a tireless and outstanding fashion, Colonel Dunn unified the Prisoners of War around him and consistently inspired resistance to an enemy who ignored international agreements concerning the treatment of prisoners of war. By his personal example, courageous stamina, and total dedication to duty throughout his lengthy confinement, Colonel Dunn reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps, the Naval Service, and the United States Armed Forces. (Colonel Dunn is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Colonel (then Major)Division:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 1969 – 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 Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Colonel (then Major) John Howard Dunn (MCSN: 0-59941), United States Marine Corps, for meritorious service while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 1969 to February 1973. During this period, although under constant surveillance from his captors, he 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 United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (then Major)Division:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 7, 1965 – February 12, 1973
Lieutenant Colonel (then Major) John Howard Dunn (MCSN: 0-59941), United States Marine Corps, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 7, 1965 until his release on February 12, 1973.
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Colonel (then Major)Division:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 1966 – February 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Colonel (then Major) John Howard Dunn (MCSN: 0-59941), United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from November 1966 to February 1973. Despite constant beatings and severe maltreatment for his resistance and always confronted with the obvious threat of severe repercussions, Colonel Dunn helped to devise and actively participated in a number of systems of communication utilized by the prisoners. Through ingenuity and raw courage, he established himself as a principal moving force in helping his comrades communicate with each other and consequently to create an organized and effective resistance to the enemy. Ignoring the potential danger to himself and disregarding the punishment to which he was subjected, Colonel Dunn performed heroically in a vital role which clearly demonstrated his sense of devotion to duty and concern for his fellow prisoners of war. Literally continuing his own war effort from the confines of an enemy encampment, he was inspirational to those around him. By his personal example superb leadership, and exceptional skill, Colonel Dunn reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps, the Naval Service, and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant Colonel [then Major]Division:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 1965 – October 1966
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel [then Major] John Howard Dunn (MCSN: 0-59941), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 1965 to October 1966. After his aircraft was shot down, Lieutenant Colonel Dunn evaded capture by the enemy in North Vietnam for six days. Once placed in a prison camp, the tenacity and indomitable spirit he showed during those six days became the trademark of his resolve. Lieutenant Colonel Dunn steadfastly refused to cooperate with his captors and was subjected to severe cruelties. Thwarting every attempt of the enemy to break his resistance, he gave his fellow prisoners an exemplary standard upon which to base their own conduct. Although Lieutenant Colonel Dunn aroused the fury of his captors by his resistance, the level of his courage and doggedness matched the increasing intensity of maltreatment levied upon him by the enemy, who ignored international agreements concerning the treatment of POW’s. His resolve and determination provided the highest form of leadership and personal example. By his sheer determination and professionalism under the most adverse of conditions, Lieutenant Colonel Dunn displayed devotion not only to the United States but also to his fellow prisoners; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps, the Naval Service, and the United States Armed Forces.