Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General William John Breckner, Jr., United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Breckner and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    July 30, 1972 – March 29, 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 Lieutenant Colonel William John Breckner, Jr., 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.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    July 30, 1972 – March 29, 1973

    Lieutenant Colonel William John Breckner, Jr., United States Air Force, was captured after he was shot down on 30 July 1972 and was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam until his release on March 29, 1973.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    July 30, 1972 – March 29, 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 Lieutenant Colonel William John Breckner, Jr., United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 30 July 1972 to 29 March 1973. 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (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 Major General William John Breckner, Jr., 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 General Breckner and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    435th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    July 30, 1972

    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 William John Breckner, Jr., United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Force, in action in Southeast Asia on 30 July 1972. On that date, Colonel Breckner flew as an element of fighter-bombers on a dangerous and sensitive mission deep within hostile territory. Despite heavy defensive reactions consisting of numerous Surface-to-Air missile barrages, Colonel Breckner was able to carry out his duty, reflecting a high degree of aeronautical skill. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Breckner has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General William John Breckner, Jr., 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 General Breckner and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.