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 John Owen Davies (AFSN: FV-3152430), 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 February 1967 to February 1970. 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Prisoner of War Medal
-
Silver Star
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
April 1967 – July 1967
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 Captain John Owen Davies (AFSN: FV-3152430), United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of war in North Vietnam from April 1967 to July 1967. With complete disregard for his own safety and personal welfare in a period of severe enemy harassment, this officer took complete care of a seriously wounded fellow prisoner without assistance from the Vietnamese. By his courageous actions and humanitarian regard for his fellowman in an environment of heavy enemy pressure and brutal treatment, he has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
February 4, 1967 – February 18, 1973
Captain John Owen Davies (AFSN: FV-3152430), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from February 4, 1967 until his release on February 18, 1973.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
41st Tactical Reconnaissance SquadronDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
February 5, 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 First Lieutenant John Owen Davies (AFSN: FV-3152430), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed for while serving with the 41st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Forces, in action in Southeast Asia, on 5 February 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Davies, as an Electronic Warfare Officer, was providing electronic countermeasures to suppress radar controlled anti-aircraft artillery and Surface-to-Air missiles while his unarmed aircraft maneuvered in an extremely hazardous area. Despite the threat of hostile aircraft and the possibility of lethal missile sites in the area, Lieutenant Davies continued his support mission. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Davies has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 1967 – December 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 to Captain John Owen Davies (AFSN: FV-3152430), 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 1967 to December 1969. 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.