First Lieutenant [then Staff Sergeant] Arthur Cormier (AFSN: AF-12454730), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from November 6, 1965 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 1 – 7, 1967
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 First Lieutenant Arthur Cormier (AFSN: AF-12454730), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period 1 – 7 October 1967, 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. First Lieutenant Cormier 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:
Staff SergeantBatallion:
38th Air Rescue SquadronAction Date:
November 1, 1965
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 Staff Sergeant Arthur Cormier (AFSN: AF-12454730), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pararescueman on a CH-3 Rescue Helicopter with Detachment 5, 38th Air Rescue Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam, on 1 November 1965. On that date, while flying on a rescue mission in an unarmed helicopter over dense jungle terrain, Sergeant Cormier was lowered to within twenty feet of the ground and jumped the remainder of the distance in order to assist an injured pilot. While carrying the pilot through the thick undergrowth Sergeant Cormier was informed that the helicopter would have to leave the area due to mechanical difficulties. Upon return of the helicopter a hoist was lowered and Sergeant Cormier assisted the injured pilot during the ascent. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Cormier reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of 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 Captain Arthur Cormier (AFSN: AF-12454730), 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 Captain Cormier 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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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Staff SergeantBatallion:
38th Air and Rescue Recovery SquadronAction Date:
November 6, 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 Staff Sergeant Arthur Cormier (AFSN: AF-12454730), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Pararescue Technician serving in Detachment 5, 38th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, aboard a rescue helicopter over North Vietnam on 6 November 1965. On that date, Sergeant Cormier voluntarily participated in a mission to recover a USAF pilot shot down over a hostile area known to contain numerous concentrations of anti-aircraft batteries which would endanger any rescue efforts. As his unarmed aircraft approached the recovery area, it encountered heavy ground fire and burst into flames, forcing the crew to bail out. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Cormier has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 1 – 7, 1967
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 First Lieutenant Arthur Cormier (AFSN: AF-12454730), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period 1 to 7 October 1967, 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. First Lieutenant Cormier 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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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Staff SergeantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 6, 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Staff Sergeant Arthur Cormier (AFSN: AF-12454730), United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an enemy armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. The North Vietnamese and interrogators and guards kept constant pressure on this airman through harassment, intimidation, and cruelties from which they hoped to gain information and cooperative participation in their propaganda exercises. This individual heroically resisted their treatment in a manner which served as an inspiration to others in the camp and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Staff SergeantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 6, 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 Staff Sergeant Arthur Cormier (AFSN: AF-12454730), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 6 November 1965 to 12 February 1972. 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.