Captain William Joseph Baugh (AFSN: 0-670121), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from January 21, 1967 until his release on March 4, 1973.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War in North VietnamAction Date:
January 1967 – March 1972
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 Lieutenant Colonel William Joseph Baugh (AFSN: 0-670121), 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 January 1967 to March 1972. 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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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 to Captain William Joseph Baugh (AFSN: 0-670121), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Aircraft Commander near Kep Airfield, North Vietnam on 20 January 1967. On that date, Captain Baugh was flying defensive cover for several attacking aircraft. Undaunted by extremely intense anti-aircraft fire, Captain Baugh maintained on target until receiving a direct hit on his aircraft. Through outstanding perseverance, he then maneuvered the stricken aircraft to his home base and landed under marginal weather conditions on one engine. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Baugh reflect 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 3, 1967 to May 29, 1969
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 William Joseph Baugh (AFSN: 0-670121), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period 5 October 1967 through 29 May 1969, 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 Baugh 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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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 William Joseph Baugh (AFSN: 0-670121), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Baugh and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.