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.
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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(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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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.