The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Raymond Arthur Vohden (NSN: 0-4416570), United States Navy, 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 September 1968 to January 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. (Commander Vohden is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 1966 – February 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Raymond Arthur Vohden (NSN: 0-4416570), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from August 1966 to February 1967. Commander Vohden’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 Vohden 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:
April 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 Commander Raymond Arthur Vohden (NSN: 0-4416570), United States Navy, 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 April 1965 to February 1973. Under the most adverse of conditions, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States, never wavering in his devotion and loyalty to the United States. Despite the adversities of confinement, he performed such duties and responsibilities as assigned by superiors and required of the Code of Conduct in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and dedication throughout this period of imprisonment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. (Commander Vohden is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Captain Raymond Arthur Vohden, United States Navy, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Vohden reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
April 3, 1965 – February 12, 1973
Commander Raymond Arthur Vohden (NSN: 0-4416570), United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from April 3, 1965 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]Batallion:
Attack Squadron 216 (VA-216)Division:
U.S.S. Hancock (CVA-19)Action Date:
April 3, 1965
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Raymond Arthur Vohden (NSN: 0-4416570), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 3 April 1965 as a pilot of jet attack aircraft, serving with Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VA-216), embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CVA-19), during action against hostile forces in North Vietnam. As leader of a four-plane division, Commander Vohden pressed home repeated low-altitude bombing attacks against his target, a railroad bridge, in the face of intense anti-aircraft artillery fire. His accuracy and superb airmanship contributed significantly to the destruction of the bridge, and thus denied the enemy the use of the only north-to-south railroad connection in North Vietnam. By his courageous performance, Commander Vohden upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Raymond Arthur Vohden (NSN: 0-4416570), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a member of the Naval Discharge Review Board on the Staff of the Director, Naval Council of Personnel Boards from September 1982 through July 1985. Captain Vohden employed superior professionalism and resourcefulness in the conduct of documentary reviews and hearings conducted in the Washington National Headquarters and in Secretary of the Navy assigned field sites throughout the United States. His extensive and sound knowledge, experienced judgment, and foresight enabled him to objectively render just decisions during Board deliberations. With a deep sense of responsibility, dedication, and sensitivity, Captain Vohden contributed greatly to ensure that propriety and equity were preserved in cases reviewed. Captain Vohden’s superb leadership, unique insight, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 1965 – August 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Raymond Arthur Vohden (NSN: 0-4416570), United States Navy, for meritorious service as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 1965 to August 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:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 1967
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 Raymond Arthur Vohden (NSN: 0-4416570), United States Navy, for heroic achievement while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in September 1967. 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.]