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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Devol Brett, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as an F-4C Aircraft Commander and Vice Commander of the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, in action in Southeast Asia, on 17 December 1967. On that date, Colonel Brett flew his “Phantom II” on an armed reconnaissance mission in North Vietnam Route Package 1. During the mission the flight was fired upon by anti-aircraft batteries. With complete disregard for his own safety and with flak bursting within a few feet of his aircraft, Colonel Brett attacked the gun positions, completely silencing them in two passes thus eliminating a significant link in North Vietnam’s air defense network to provide greater safety for continued air operations in the area. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Brett has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Regiment:

    Near Eastern and South Asian Region

    Division:

    Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs

    Action Date:

    August 26, 1970 – January 20, 1973

    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 Devol Brett, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Brett distinguished himself as the Director, Near Eastern and South Asian Region, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, from 26 August 1970 to 20 January 1973. Demonstrating high competence in both the military and diplomatic affairs of the United States, General Brett played a major role in the development and implementation of United States defense and foreign policy relating to the Middle East and South Asia, personally handling a number of highly sensitive and critical tasks that were key elements in reducing and controlling the crisis environment in that area. With great distinction, he worked closely with the highest echelons of the Government in formulating policies vital to United States security interests in the area. His superb performance in the handling of the Jordanian crisis of 1970 was recognized personally by the President. Through his assignment, General Brett displayed rare professional skill, imagination, sound judgment, enthusiasm, and stability. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Brett reflect the highest credit upon himself, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    September 1, 1975 – July 21, 1977
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order No. GB-563 (July 18, 1977)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Devol Brett, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, during the period from 1 September 1975 to 21 July 1977. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Brett and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    1967 – 1968
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Devol Brett, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 12th Tactical Fighter Wing and Deputy Director, SEVENTH Air Force TACC, in the Republic of Vietnam, from 1967 to 1968. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Brett and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    1968 – 1969
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Devol Brett, United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 81st Tactical Fighter Wing, Europe, from 1968 to 1969. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Brett and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    12th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Action Date:

    1967 – 1968
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Devol Brett, United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commander, 12th Tactical Fighter Wing, in Southeast Asia, from 1967 to 1968. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    1962 – 1964
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Devol Brett, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 4450th Standardized Evaluation Group, from 1962 to 1964. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Brett and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    12th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Action Date:

    1967 – 1968
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Devol Brett, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commander, 12th Tactical Fighter Wing, in Southeast Asia, from 1967 to 1968. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    1970 – 1973
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Devol Brett, United States Air Force, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Inspector General, U.S. Air Forces Europe, from 1970 to 1973. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Brett and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Regiment:

    18th Fighter-Bomber Wing

    Action Date:

    Korean War
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Devol Brett, United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot with the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing, in Korea, in 1951. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Defense Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    1977 – 1980
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Devol Brett, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commander, NATO Armed Forces Southern Europe from 1977 to 1980. The distinctive accomplishments of General Brett reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.