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 Robert Irvin Biss (AFSN: AO-13644371), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam during the period from November 1966 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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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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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 11, 1966 – March 4, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Major Robert Irvin Biss (AFSN: AO-13644371), 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.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 11, 1966 – March 4, 1973
Robert Biss was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on November 11, 1966, and was held until his release on March 4, 1973.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
431st Tactical Fighter SquadronAction Date:
November 11, 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 Robert Irvin Biss (AFSN: AO-13644371), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4C Pilot of the 431st Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action in Southeast Asia, on 11 November 1966. On that date, Captain Biss piloted an F-4C aircraft on a strike mission in North Vietnam. Despite known intense defensive reaction, Captain Biss pressed his attack against the target. With complete Disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Biss made low repeated passes over suspected anti-aircraft gun positions to draw their fire and expose themselves to attacks from fighter aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Biss 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:
November 20, 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 Robert Irvin Biss (AFSN: AO-13644371), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 20 November 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 Biss 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
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
431st Tactical Fighter SquadronAction Date:
September 24, 1965
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 Robert Irvin Biss (AFSN: AO-13644371), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C pilot with the 431st Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia on 24 September 1965. On that date, Captain Biss flew an aerial strike on a vital barracks complex occupied by the opposing forces. Through adroitness and determination, despite poor weather and heavy ground fire, which had just downed one attacking aircraft, Captain Biss delivered his ordnance on target. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Biss reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 11, 1966 – March 4, 1973
(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 Major Robert Irvin Biss (AFSN: AO-13644371), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.