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Captain Joseph S. Abbott, Jr. (AFSN: AO-3057099), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from April 30, 1967 until his release on February 18, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Joseph S. Abbott, Jr. (AFSN: AO-3057099), United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an enemy armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. The North Vietnamese and interrogators and guards kept constant pressure on this officer through harassment, intimidation, and cruelties from which they hoped to gain information and cooperative participation in their propaganda exercises. This individual heroically resisted their treatment in a manner which served as an inspiration to others in the camp and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Regiment:

    355th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Takhli Royal Thai AFB, Thailand

    Action Date:

    April 30, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Joseph S. Abbott, Jr. (AFSN: AO-3057099), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Pilot in the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, PACIFIC AIR FORCES, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 30 April 1967. On that date, Captain Abbott was flying top cover with his element leader in direct support of search and rescue operations for two downed crews just south of the Red River Delta when he observed a flight of MiG 21’s attacking the element. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Abbott deliberately diverted the attacking hostile aircraft from his damaged element leader. The courageous and aggressive display of airmanship, against overwhelming odds, thwarted the attack against his leader and enabled him to recover his damaged aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Abbott has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.