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 Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence Barbay (AFSN: AO-3054027), 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 from May 1967 to October 1971. 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War in North VietnamAction Date:
July 1966 – July 1969
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 Major Lawrence Barbay (AFSN: AO-3054027), United States Air Force (Reserve), 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 July 1966 to July 1969. 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:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 5 – 12, 1966
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 Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence Barbay (AFSN: AO-3054027), United States Air Force (Reserve), for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period 5 October 1966 to 12 October 1966, 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. Lieutenant Colonel Barbay 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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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-745 (September 19, 1966)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Lawrence Barbay (AFSN: AO-3054027), United States Air Force (Reserve), for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an EB-66 Electronics Warfare Officer over North Vietnam on 20 July 1966. On that date, Captain Barbay, by his superior knowledge of ground based anti-aircraft weapons systems, is credited with preventing possible destruction of aircraft in his area. He quickly analyzed and located a potential threat to the aircraft and transmitted a warning. Due to his timely warning, other aircraft in his formation were saved. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Barbay reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Lawrence Barbay (AFSN: AO-3054027), United States Air Force (Reserve), for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an aircrew Electronic Warfare Officer over North Vietnam on 8 July 1966. On that date, while participating in an extremely hazardous combat mission, Captain Barbay, by his outstanding display of professionalism and courage in the face of hostile fire from unfriendly forces, was highly instrumental in the overall success of the air operation. The results of his highly commendable efforts provided a major contribution to the tactical air mission in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Barbay reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 20, 1966 – March 4, 1973
Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence Barbay (AFSN: AO-3054027), United States Air Force (Reserve), was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from July 20, 1966 until his release on March 4, 1973.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Lawrence Barbay (AFSN: AO-3054027), United States Air Force (Reserve), for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an Electronic Warfare Officer on an RB-66 over North Vietnam on 25 April 1966. On that date, Captain Barbay displayed professional competence and outstanding ability while flying hazardous and extremely dangerous missions in Southeast Asia. Although subject to attack from hostile sources, Captain Barbay performed bravely in the face of danger and without regard to his own personal safety. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Barbay reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.