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 Michael Lee Brazelton (AFSN: FV-3148590), 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 July 1968 to July 1971. 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.
Sponsored by:
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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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 1966 – August 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 Captain Michael Lee Brazelton (AFSN: FV-3148590), 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 August 1966 to August 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
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 First Lieutenant Michael Lee Brazelton (AFSN: FV-3148590), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Combat Strike Pilot in Southeast Asia on 28 June 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Brazelton attacked a strategic and heavily defended railroad and highway bridge while piloting an F-105 Thunderchief. His persistence and outstanding skill were clearly evident as he fearlessly braved heavy, accurate tracking and barrage anti-aircraft fire as well as continuous indications of surface-to-air missile launches to place his bombs directly on the target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Brazelton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 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 a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Captain Michael Lee Brazelton (AFSN: FV-3148590), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during June 1969, while held Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. After a planned escape from the “Zoo Camp,” the enemy launched a massive torture purge attempting to gain prisoner secrets and propaganda materials. Tortured well beyond the normal threshold of pain, Captain Brazelton continued to resist the enemy. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Brazelton has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
357th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Takhli Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
August 7, 1966
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-777 (September 27, 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 First Lieutenant Michael Lee Brazelton (AFSN: FV-3148590), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Forces, in Southeast Asia, on 7 August 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Brazelton exhibited heroism involving risk of life while protecting the other members of his flight by attacking an anti-aircraft site which was delivering intense and accurate fire against the flight. He exposed himself for a protracted period of time in order to accurately determine which anti-aircraft site was the highest threat. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Brazelton has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 10, 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 Captain Michael Lee Brazelton (AFSN: FV-3148590), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force 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. Captain Brazelton 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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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 1 – August 3, 1967
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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain Michael Lee Brazelton (AFSN: FV-3148590), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period from 1 June 1967 to 3 August 1967, 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. Captain Brazelton 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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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 7, 1966 – March 4, 1973
Captain Michael Lee Brazelton (AFSN: FV-3148590), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from August 7, 1966 until his release on March 4, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 1968
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 Captain Michael Lee Brazelton (AFSN: FV-3148590), United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an enemy armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam during May 1968. 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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Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel Michael Lee Brazelton (AFSN: FV-3148590), United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service as Chief, Military Liaison Office, Mexico City, United States Southern Command, from June 19892 to July 1984. Colonel Brazelton managed the program to integrate the new F-5 fighter into the Mexican Air Force inventory. The success of this multi-faceted Foreign Military Sales program, which included operations, maintenance, supply and logistics and training, was a vital step in the furtherance of United States national policy. His superior executive leadership abilities resulted in an extremely successful program under the most difficult of political and economic conditions. Furthermore, Colonel Brazelton’s professionalism, integrity and keen sensitivity to Mexican culture gained the deep respect and friendship of the Mexican Military establishment. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Brazelton reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.