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 Captain Thomas Edward Collins, III (AFSN: FR-60802), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Aircraft Commander over North Vietnam, on 23 September 1965. On that date, Captain Collins’ flight was preparing to make an attack on the Tai Xouan Ammunition Depot when surface-to-air missiles were launched against the flight. Taking evasive action and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Collins broke towards the ammunition depot and flew through an intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire in order to deliver his bombs on target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Collins reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 1970 – March 1973
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 Thomas Edward Collins, III (AFSN: FR-60802), 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 June 1970 to March 1973. 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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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 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 Captain Thomas Edward Collins, III (AFSN: FR-60802), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during 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. Captain Collins 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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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 1965 – October 1968
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 Major Thomas Edward Collins, III (AFSN: FR-60802), 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 October 1965 – October 1968. 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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
68th Tactical Fighter SquadronAction Date:
October 18, 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 Captain Thomas Edward Collins, III (AFSN: FR-60802), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an Aircraft Commander of the 68th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action over Southeast Asia, on 18 October 1965. On that date, Captain Collins was assigned the mission of destroying an important highway bridge complex located deep in hostile territory. The objective was known to be heavily defended and the weather conditions in the area were minimal. By the time Captain Collins had arrived over the target, the opposing forces had been alerted and were directing murderous fire at his aircraft. Although the aircraft sustained a direct hit, Captain Collins courageously continued to press the attack until battle damage rendered his aircraft completely uncontrollable. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Collins has reflected great 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:
October 18, 1965 – February 12, 1973
Major Thomas Edward Collins, III (AFSN: FR-60802), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 18, 1965 until his release on February 12, 1973.