The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Paul Joseph Montague (MCSN: 0-81197), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 (HMM-165), Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY-SIX (MAG-36), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 29 March 1968. On that date, Captain Montague was Section Leader of two CH-46 transport helicopters in a flight of four aircraft assigned the mission of inserting a United States Army Special Forces unit and Vietnamese Rangers deep in hostile territory, east of the Ashau Valley. Arriving over the designated area, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft into the landing zone, disembarked the troops and, although his helicopter was damaged by hostile ground fire, safely departed the zone under heavy automatic weapons fire. Returning to Phu Bai, Captain Montague embarked additional passengers and, disregarding his own safety, proceeded to the area where he landed in the hazardous zone, fully realizing that one United States Army helicopter was forced to abort his approach into the dangerous area, and another had crash-landed in the zone due to extensive battle damage. While disembarking the reinforcements, his aircraft was damaged by mortar fragments, and as he lifted from the hostile area, the helicopter came under fire from enemy weapons positions. Subsequently informed that the friendly unit was surrounded by a large enemy force and that a maintenance crew which had previously been inserted into the area required immediate extraction, Captain Montague embarked additional reinforcements and returned to the landing zone for the third time. Undaunted by the hostile fire directed at his helicopter, he landed in the besieged area, disembarked the relief force and embarked the recovery team aboard his aircraft. As he was lifting out of the fire-swept area, his helicopter was repeatedly struck by hostile ground fire. Reaction instantly, he skillfully avoided a ravine, undoubtedly saving the lives of his crew and passengers. By his courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty despite extreme personal danger, Captain Montague upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major [then Captain]Division:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
March 1968 – October 1970
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major [then Captain] Paul Joseph Montague (MCSN: 0-81197), United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement while interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from March 1968 to October 1970. Illustrating a high degree of determination and leadership ability, Major Montague assumed duties as Assistant Senior Ranking Officer and was placed in charge of the escape committee. Subjected to routine cruelties and placed in solitary confinement, he steadfastly resisted all efforts to break his spirit and rigidly adhered to the Code of Conduct. Under Major Montague’s direction and supervision, a committee was formed to organize a group to support any outside help which might be brought to bear in attempting to effect an escape. Although eventually his health weakened, he never ceased in his efforts to set the example for his fellow prisoners, thus frustrating the attempts of his captors to subjugate them as a group. Through his dedication to duty under the most adverse of conditions, Major Montague reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Major Montague is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major [then Captain]Division:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
March 1968 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Major [then Captain] Paul Joseph Montague (MCSN: 0-81197), 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 Southeast Asia from March 1968 to March 1973. Under extremely adverse circumstances, Major Montague remained indomitable and persevering. During five years of captivity, he resisted all attempts to compromise his strong adherence to the Code of Conduct, despite savage beatings, years of solitary confinement, torture, and continuous interrogations. Major Montague’s continuing efforts to support a viable system of communications among prisoners of war, despite an environment of constant physical and psychological intimidation, enabled him to give great assistance to other prisoners. He reinforced their determination and inspired their resolution to continue their resistance. Major Montague’s steadfast devotion to his country and his fellow prisoners of war, inspiring leadership, and courageous stamina were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Major Montague is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
March 28, 1968 – March 16, 1973
Major Paul Joseph Montague (MCSN: 0-81197), United States Marine Corps, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from March 28, 1968 until his release on March 16, 1973.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major [then Captain]Division:
Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)Action Date:
June 1970 – March 1973
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 Major [then Captain] Paul Joseph Montague (MCSN: 0-81197), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity from June 1970 to March 1973, while interned as a Prisoner of War (POW) in Southeast Asia. Subjected to severe psychological and physical cruelties by an enemy who ignored international agreements, Major Montague remained steadfast and uncompromising in his strict adherence to the Code of Conduct. By his constant lack of cooperation to the attempts of his captors to dominate him, he not only aroused their increased wrath, but also provided his fellow prisoners with a positive example by which they could establish and maintain their own standard of resistance. With disregard for his own personal safety or well-being, Major Montague persisted in his campaign to frustrate the enemy’s attempts at procuring information or cooperation. Through his high degree of professionalism, courage, and devotion to duty, Major Montague reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.