The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Major (Field Artillery) Albert Edwin Carlson (ASN: 0-99143), United States Army, for meritorious service from 7 April 1972 to 12 February 1973, while a Prisoner of War in South Vietnam and Cambodia. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the North Vietnamese subjected Major Carlson to a routine of mental and physical cruelties, including withholding of adequate medical treatment for wounds and illness. This routine was calculated and designed for the purpose of obtaining military information and propaganda material detrimental to the United States. Under these extremely adverse conditions, Major Carlson successfully resisted indoctrination, threats, and promises of medical attention by the North Vietnamese intended to coerce him to support causes injurious to the United States. He never waivered in his devotion and loyalty to his country. Throughout his internment, Major Carlson maintained a high state of discipline and morale. He continually confronted the North Vietnamese by refusing to cooperate or to conform with camp regulations, causing the enemy to maintain a posture of maximum security. Defying his captors he shared everything he had with his fellow prisoners and gave them encouragement to continue when all seemed hopeless. Though attempts were made by the North Vietnamese to suppress organization, Major Carlson was able to oversee a command structure within the camp. Through this organization, supported completely by fellow prisoners, he was able to influence camp control and to maintain prisoner morale. Major Carlson’s conduct and manner of performance was clearly exceptional, reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Army. Great credit upon himself, the Army, and the United States of America.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major (Field Artillery)Division:
Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)Action Date:
April 7, 1972 – February 12, 1973
Major (Field Artillery) Albert Edwin Carlson (ASN: 0-99143), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from April 7, 1972 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major (Field Artillery)Division:
Military Assistance Command, VietnamAction Date:
April 5 – 7, 1972
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 19 (June 18, 1974)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 (Field Artillery) Albert Edwin Carlson (ASN: 0-99143), United States Army, for gallantry in action during the period 5 to 7 April 1972, while serving as the Deputy Senior Advisor to the 9th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 April 1972, North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces launched a major offensive with the objective of capturing Binh Long Province in Military Region 3. The 5th Viet Cong Division was targeted against Loc Ninh, the capital of Loc Ninh District in Northern Binh Long Province. The 5th Viet Cong Division launched a massive ground attack against Loc Ninh beginning early in the morning of 5 April 1972. The attack was supported by artillery and tanks. Major Carlson skillfully directed tactical airstrikes and helicopter gunships in support of the 9th Infantry. Regimental and other South Vietnamese Forces in the area. During the battle Major Carlson fought magnificently. Time and again he directed the fighters, bombers, gunships and artillery fire on top of his own position to drive off the attacking enemy. The combination of Major Carlson’s courage and professional skill coupled with all available firepower kept the numerically superior enemy at bay for more than two days. Despite the valiant efforts of the defenders, the city of Loc Ninh was completely overrun by the enemy on 7 April 1972, but Major Carlson through his courageous actions extracted a horrendous price from the enemy for their tactical accomplishment. Major Carlson’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major (Field Artillery)Action Date:
July 1971 – March 1972
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 to Major (Field Artillery) Albert Edwin Carlson (ASN: 0-99143), United States Army, for meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force during the period July 1971 to March 1972 while serving as Acting Advisor and Deputy/Staff Advisor, 9th Regimental Combat Assistance Team, 5th Combat Assistance Team, Advisory Team 70, Republic of Vietnam. During this period Major Carlson demonstrated unusual professional competence and a sincere desire to assist the regiment in tactical operations in a very dangerous and demanding combat environment. His patience, knowledge and personal example enabled him to rapidly establish rapport with his counterparts adding immeasurably to the impact of the advisory effort of his team. Major Carlson’s vast knowledge of artillery enabled him to assist significantly in the improvement of the regiment’s direct support artillery battalion. As a result of his initiative, guidance and encouragement, the direct support battalion staff developed training programs to improve the battalion’s gunnery, firing battery procedures and equipment maintenance. Serving five weeks as interim Regimental Senior Advisor, Major Carlson quickly overcame his limited infantry experience and effectively advised the Infantry Regimental Commander and his staff. Upon arrival of a new Senior Advisor, Major Carlson instituted a comprehensive maintenance and training program which the regiment will be able to use into the foreseeable future. Major Carlson’s performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Field Artillery)Action Date:
October 1967 – October 1968
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Field Artillery) Albert Edwin Carlson (ASN: 0-99143), United States Army, for outstandingly meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. During the period October 1967 to October 1968 he consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding results. His rapid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in a combat environment greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy. Despite many adversities, he invariably performed his duties in a resolute and efficient manner. Energetically applying his sound judgment and extensive knowledge, he has contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the United States mission in the Republic of Vietnam. His loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.