The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Frederick Austin Crow, Jr. (AFSN: FR-26569), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Aircraft Commander near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 4 November 1966. On that date, Major Crow led a flight of four F-4C’s against a vital petroleum products storage area. Although two surface-to-air missile attacks and extremely heavy gun defenses were encountered inbound to the target, Major Crow courageously led his flight to the target where they inflicted heavy damage on this vital supply area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Crow reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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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
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
March 26, 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 Colonel Frederick Austin Crow, Jr. (AFSN: FR-26569), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 26 March 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. Colonel Crow 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
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Frederick Austin Crow, Jr. (AFSN: FR-26569), 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 Crow 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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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
March 1967 – February 1973
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 Frederick Austin Crow, Jr. (AFSN: FR-26569), 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 March 1967 to February 19073. 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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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
8th Tactical Fighter WingAction Date:
November 1, 1966
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. 288 (February 22, 1967)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 Major Frederick Austin Crow, Jr. (AFSN: FR-26569), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Aircraft Commander over North Vietnam on 1 November 1966. On that date, Major Crow was flying a strike mission against a vital railroad yard. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Major Crow very effectively delivered his ordnance on target. This daring attack denied the hostile forces the use of a vital link in their transportation system. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Crow reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelBatallion:
433d Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
March 26, 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 the Silver Star to Colonel Frederick Austin Crow, Jr. (AFSN: FR-26569), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4C Pilot in the 433d Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Vietnam, PACIFIC Air Forces, in action in North Vietnam, on 26 March 1967. On that date, Colonel Crow led his flight on a day strike/combat air patrol mission against a target area with numerous defenses. Colonel Crow delivered his ordnance directly on target under withering fire from hostile forces. After all ordnance was expended the strike was engaged by hostile aircraft. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Colonel Crow suppressed the hostile aircraft engagement subjecting himself to intense attack by numerous Surface-to-Air missiles. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Crow has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 1969 – December 1970
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 Frederick Austin Crow, Jr. (AFSN: FR-26569), 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 December 1969 to December 1970. 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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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 1969
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 Frederick Austin Crow, Jr. (AFSN: FR-26569), United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an enemy armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam during May 1969. The North Vietnamese and interrogators and guards kept constant pressure on this officer 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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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
March 26, 1967 – March 4, 1973
Colonel Frederick Austin Crow, Jr. (AFSN: FR-26569), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from March 26, 1967 until his release on March 4, 1973.