Captain James Robert Berger (AFSN: AO-3119242), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 2, 1966 until his release on February 18, 1973.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 1966 – December 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 James Robert Berger (AFSN: AO-3119242), 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 December 1966 to December 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:
CaptainBatallion:
480th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
DaNang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
November 25, 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 Captain James Robert Berger (AFSN: AO-3119242), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Pilot in the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, PACIFIC Air Forces, over North Vietnam, on 25 November 1966. On that date, on two separate missions, Captain Berger conducted air-to-ground operations against a heavily defended surface-air missile convoy that had been discovered moving South toward the Demilitarized Zone. On the second mission of that day, Captain Berger’s aircraft was hit by hostile ground fire, but the crew continued to press multiple attacks until their ordnance was expended, then with complete disregard for their own safety and completely defenseless, they continued to make multiple dry passes against the defenses drawing enemy ground fire away from the other aircraft in his flight. This courageous and aggressive act against overwhelming odds resulted in the destruction of an important target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Captain Berger has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major James Robert Berger (AFSN: AO-3119242), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in December 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. Major Berger 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
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 James Robert Berger (AFSN: AO-3119242), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Pilot near Lai Dong, North Vietnam, on 9 November 1966. On that date, Captain Berger was scrambled against a twelve truck convoy suspected of carrying surface-to-air missiles. Despite marginal weather condition, Captain Berger proceeded directly to the target and delivered his ordnance under withering fire from several 37-mm. And 57-mm. sites in the area. He then made several dry passes to draw the intense ground fire enabling his wingman to strike the convoy. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Berger reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
January 1968 – December 1969
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 James Robert Berger (AFSN: AO-3119242), 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 January 1968 to December 1969. 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.