James Hutton was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on October 16, 1965, and was held until his release on February 12, 1973.
Sponsored by:
James
Leo
Hutton
POW (RVN)
February 11, 1932
–
October 16, 2017
Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 16, 1965 – February 12, 1973
Commander James Leo Hutton (NSN: 0-602748), United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 16, 1965 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 16, 1965 – February 12, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander James Leo Hutton (NSN: 0-602748), 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 16 October 1965 to 12 February 1973. His ceaseless efforts, by a continuous showing of resistance to an enemy who ignored all international agreements on treatment of Prisoners of War, in the extremely adverse conditions of the communist prisons of North Vietnam, demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion, and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, he continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 1 (RVAH-1)Division:
U.S.S. IndependenceAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander James Leo Hutton (NSN: 0-602748), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in as Attack Navigator of an RA-5C reconnaissance aircraft of Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron ONE (RVAH-1), embarked in the U.S.S. INDEPENDENCE, in 1965. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 15, 1966
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander James Leo Hutton (NSN: 0-602748), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam on 15 July 1966. Commander Hutton’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 Hutton reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
`Division:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 16, 1965 – February 12, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander James Leo Hutton (NSN: 0-602748), United States Navy, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 16 October 1965 to 12 February 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.