The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Major Bobby Ray Bagley (AFSN: FV-3034566), United States Air Force, for meritorious service as an Operations Staff Officer, Directorate of Combat Operations, Headquarters, SEVENTH Air Force, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, from 3 May 1966 to 19 May 1967. During this period, while exposed to danger from hostile forces, Major Bagley consistently demonstrated professional ability, sound judgment, and great enthusiasm in overcoming the many involved problems associated with his duties. His superb performance and signal contributions assisted materially in the success of the United States’ effort in Southeast Asia. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Bagley in this responsible position reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 20, 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel Bobby Ray Bagley (AFSN: FV-3034566), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 20 September 1967, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions and propaganda materials. Colonel Bagley resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
April 1968 – December 1968
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Colonel Bobby Ray Bagley (AFSN: FV-3034566), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement as a Prisoner of War while engaged in operations against an opposing armed force in North Vietnam during the period April 1968 to December 1968. In an atmosphere of enemy harassment and brutal treatment, he continued to establish and maintain communications through unusual and ingenious methods, which resulted in American and Allied prisoners presenting a posture of increased resistance to the enemy’s wishes, and, at the same time, improving prisoner morale. By his heroic endeavors and devotion to duty under adverse conditions of his environment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 16, 1967 – March 14, 1973
Colonel Bobby Ray Bagley (AFSN: FV-3034566), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 16, 1967 until his release on March 14, 1973.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
November 9, 1979 – November 26, 1981
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Bobby Ray Bagley (AFSN: FV-3034566), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff and Director of Tactical Operations, Headquarters NINTH Air Force, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, from 9 November 1979 to 26 November 1981. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence and devotion to duty of Colonel Bagley were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Bagley culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
August 31, 1975 – December 6, 1976
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Bobby Ray Bagley (AFSN: FV-3034566), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, the United States Logistics Group, Detachment 94, Karamursel Common Defense Installation, Turkey, from 31 August 1975 to 6 December 1976. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence and dedication of Colonel Bagley were significant factors in resolving many complex problems, during a very difficult period of major important to the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Bagley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
September 1967 – September 1970
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Bobby Ray Bagley (AFSN: FV-3034566), United States Air Force, 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 September 1967 to September 1970. 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 Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
432d Tactical Reconnaissance WingDivision:
Udorn Royal Thai AFB, ThailandAction Date:
September 16, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1895 (November 2, 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 Major Bobby Ray Bagley (AFSN: FV-3034566), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Pilot in the 432d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Forces, near Son La, North Vietnam, on 16 September 1967. On that date, Major Bagley was assigned as wingman in a flight of two unarmed and unescorted RF-101 aircraft on a post strike photographic reconnaissance mission against the Northwest Railroad. He displayed unprecedented bravery when, on egress, he was hit by air-to-air missiles, but continued giving his leader warning information at a time when his own aircraft was completely disabled and on fire. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Bagley has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.