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 Lieutenant Colonel Richard Eugene Bolstad (AFSN: 0-17431461), United States Air Force, for heroic actions while engaged in operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Colonel Bolstad and two other officers aided a fellow prisoner who was in the next cell and was being brutally treated with his legs spread-eagled in irons and his hands tightly manacled behind him. These officers passed an implement to the victim with which he as able to “jimmy” open the handcuffs. At great personal risk, Colonel Bolstad maintained vigilance against approaching guards and continued to communicate during the brief rest periods. Colonel Bolstad’s conduct under extremely adverse conditions reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
602d Fighter SquadronDivision:
Bien Hoa Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
November 6, 1965
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 with Combat “V” to Captain Richard Eugene Bolstad (AFSN: 0-17431461), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving as an A-1 pilot with the 602d Fighter Squadron at Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Bai Thoung, North Vietnam, on 6 November 1965. On that date, while participating in search and rescue operations, Captain Bolstad’s flight was heavily engaged by hostile anti-aircraft fire. Captain Bolstad elected to remain over the hostile area for over an hour in search of a fellow aviator. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Bolstad 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:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 6, 1965 – February 12, 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 Captain Richard Eugene Bolstad (AFSN: 0-17431461), 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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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 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 Richard Eugene Bolstad (AFSN: 0-17431461), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during July 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 Bolstad 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
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 1965 – 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 Lieutenant Colonel Richard Eugene Bolstad (AFSN: 0-17431461), 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 November 1965 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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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
602d Fighter SquadronDivision:
Bien Hoa Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Richard Eugene Bolstad (AFSN: 0-17431461), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving as an A-1 pilot with the 602d Fighter Squadron at Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia in 1965. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Bolstad reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 6, 1965 – February 12, 1973
Captain Richard Eugene Bolstad (AFSN: 0-17431461), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from November 6, 1965 until his release on February 12, 1973.