The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Captain Edward Alan Brudno (AFSN: 0-78285), 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 October 1965 to October 1968. 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Prisoner of War Medal
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
68th Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
6234th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
13th Air ForceAction Date:
October 18, 1965
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Edward Alan Brudno (AFSN: 0-78285), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an F-4C Fighter Bomber of the 68th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 6234th Tactical Fighter Wing, 13th Air Force, in action over Southeast Asia on 18 October 1965. On that date, First Lieutenant Brudno was assigned the mission of destroying an important highway bridge complex located deep in hostile territory. The objective was known to be heavily defended and the weather conditions in the area were minimal. By the time Lieutenant Brudno had arrived over the target, the opposing forces had been alerted and were directing murderous fire at his aircraft. Although his aircraft sustained a direct hit, Lieutenant Brudno continued to press the attack until battle damage rendered his aircraft completely uncontrollable. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Brudno has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 1968
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Edward Alan Brudno (AFSN: 0-78285), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in August 1968, 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 Brudno 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.
-
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 Edward Alan Brudno (AFSN: 0-78285), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Pilot over North Vietnam, on 23 September 1965. On that date, Lieutenant Brudno’s flight was preparing to make an attack on the Tai Xouan Ammunition Depot when surface-to-air missiles were launched against the flight. Taking evasive action and with complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Brudno broke towards the ammunition depot and flew through an intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire in order to deliver his bombs on target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Brudno reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
March 1967 – May 1972
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pride in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Captain Edward Alan Brudno (AFSN: 0-78285), 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 March 1967 to May 1972. 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.
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 1971 – May 1972
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Captain Edward Alan Brudno (AFSN: 0-78285), United States Air Force, for outstanding achievement in a position of leadership while detained as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 1971 to May 1972. This officer performed duties dealing in highly classified material while under constant surveillance of the enemy. He generated new ideas and improvised new techniques which greatly enhanced covert operations. His outstanding performance and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 18, 1965 – June 3, 1973
Captain Edward Alan Brudno (AFSN: 0-78285), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 18, 1965 until his release on June 3, 1973.