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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Colonel Ronald E. Byrne, Jr. (AFSN: 27821A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period 15 August 1967 to 28 April 1968, as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. During this period, Colonel Byrne displayed exceptional heroism and maximum resistance in the face of brutal harassment and torture by the Vietnamese for the purpose of getting Colonel Byrne to confess to the activities of the senior ranking American, his prisoner organization and policies; thereby, hoping eventually to destroy prisoner resistance and pave the way to easy political exploitation. Through his heroic resistance, Colonel Byrne reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
67 Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
August 29, 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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Ronald E. Byrne, Jr. (AFSN: 27821A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Forces, in action over North Vietnam on 29 august 1965. On that date, Major Byrne volunteered to fly number four position in a flight of F-105 aircraft tasked with employing and evaluating a new type of weapons delivery. He knew full well that flying number four would enable him to observe the delivery but would also subject him to the highest level of anti-aircraft fire. Refusing to be intimidated even after his aircraft received a disabling hit from withering ground fire, Major Byrne displayed heroism far above that expected of a pilot in his situation as he guided his flaming aircraft over the target calling out the bomb hits and results to his flight members. Only after he had fully satisfied mission requirements did Major Byrne turn his aircraft toward the surround hills and eject. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Byrne has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 8 – August 4, 1966
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 Ronald E. Byrne, Jr. (AFSN: 27821A), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period 8 July 1966 to 4 August 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 Byrne 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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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
39th Fighter Interceptor SquadronDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
June 30, 1953
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 Ronald E. Byrne, Jr. (AFSN: 27821A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial combat against the enemy as a member of the 39th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, on 30 June 1953. Lieutenant Byrne, flying the number two position in a flight of four F-86 Sabre Jets on a fighter-bomber escort mission over North Korea, sighted five aircraft at a lower altitude in a violent air battle. He and his leader joined the flight, positioning themselves behind an enemy MiG-15. Lieutenant Byrne then sighted four other enemy jets closing to firing range on his leader. At this time radio contact was lost between the two Sabre Jets. Disregarding the steadily increasing vulnerability of his own aircraft to the enemy fire, and still unable to warn his leader of his imminent danger, Lieutenant Byrne maneuvered his aircraft into the attacking enemy formation, disrupting their attack, and enabling his leader to escape their fire and to destroy the MiG-15 he was pursuing. Lieutenant Byrne’s conduct in this action is typical of the devotion to duty and exemplary courage displayed throughout his tour with the 39th Fighter Interceptor Squadron and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 29, 1965 – February 12, 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 Major Ronald E. Byrne, Jr. (AFSN: 27821A), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 29 August 1965 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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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Ronald E. Byrne, Jr. (AFSN: 27821A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Byrne and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 29, 1965 – February 12, 1973
Major Ronald E. Byrne, Jr. (AFSN: 27821A), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from August 29, 1965 until his release on February 12, 1973.