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 Cecil Hugh Brunson, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-4E Phantom Aircraft of the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Force, in Southeast Asia, on 6 October 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Brunson directed his aircraft in an engagement with two hostile aircraft to prevent them from attacking friendly aircraft. Lieutenant Brunson directed the Aircraft Commander to execute a vertical dive and monitored the hostile aircraft’s positions while a low pullout was being executed, which resulted in one hostile aircraft impacting the ground and caused the other aircraft to break off the attack, allowing the vulnerable F-105 aircraft to egress to safety. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Brunson has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 12, 1972 – March 29, 1973
First Lieutenant Cecil Hugh Brunson, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 12, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 12, 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 First Lieutenant Cecil Hugh Brunson, United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 12 October 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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
469th Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
388th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Cecil Hugh Brunson, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as an as an F-4E Weapons Systems Officer with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy in Southeast Asia in 1972. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
469th Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
388th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction 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 to First Lieutenant Cecil Hugh Brunson, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as an as an F-4E Weapons Systems Officer with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy in Southeast Asia in 1972. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.