Colonel Alan Leslie Brunstrom (AFSN: FV-3023441), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from April 22, 1966 until his release on February 12, 1973.
Colonel Alan Leslie Brunstrom (AFSN: FV-3023441), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from April 22, 1966 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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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 Major Alan Leslie Brunstrom (AFSN: FV-3023441), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Pilot in the 20th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam, in action over North Vietnam, on 22 April 1966. On that date, Major Brunstrom flew a vital weather mission and photography reconnaissance mission deep into hostile territory. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he courageously maneuvered his unarmed and unarmored RF-101 aircraft without fighter escort into an area heavily defended by MIG’s, Surface-to-Air Missiles, and anti-aircraft batteries. In a determined effort to complete his mission, he dropped down for a low-level, high-speed dash over the target only to encounter an impenetrable area of ground fire. Despite heavy battle damage, he continued his mission until his aircraft went out of control, forcing him to eject in hostile territory. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Brunstrom has 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel Alan Leslie Brunstrom (AFSN: FV-3023441), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 27 April 1966, 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. Colonel Brunstrom 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.
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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 Colonel Alan Leslie Brunstrom (AFSN: FV-3023441), 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 of August 1966. 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.
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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 Colonel Alan Leslie Brunstrom (AFSN: FV-3023441), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 22 April 1966 to 12 February 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, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Alan Leslie Brunstrom (AFSN: FV-3023441), 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 April 1966 to July 1972. 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.