Major John Charles Blevins, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 9, 1966 until his release on March 4, 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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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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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 the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel John Charles Blevins, 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 Blevins and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
357th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
September 9, 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 John Charles Blevins, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Pilot of the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Forces, in action in Southeast Asia, on 9 September 1966. On that date, Captain Blevins led a flight of four F-105 fighter-bombers through inclement weather to strike a strategic target deep within hostile territory. The determined aggressiveness and inspiring leadership displayed by Captain Blevins throughout the mission, and the fearlessness exhibited in the face of intense hostile fire were exceptionally outstanding. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Blevins 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:
August 1969 – September 1970
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 John Charles Blevins, United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period August 1969 to September 1970, 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 Blevins 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:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 9, 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 John Charles Blevins, 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.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
April 28, 1968 – July 15, 1969
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major John Charles Blevins, United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an enemy armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 28 April 1968 to 15 July 1969. 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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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
357th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
June 1, 1966
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 John Charles Blevins, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving as an F-104 tactical fighter Pilot of the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 1 June 1966. On that date, Captain Blevins was instrumental in the search and rescue of a fellow airman deep within hostile territory. His exemplary leadership in an emergency situation and superior flying skill led to the successful rescue effort and the safe recovery of his flight, despite hostile fire and inclement weather. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Blevins reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.