Jerry Driscoll graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1963. He was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on April 24, 1966, and was held until his release on February 12, 1973. He retired in 1987 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.
Sponsored by:
Jerry
Donald
Driscoll
POW (RVN)
February 21, 1940
–
February 20, 2016
Cemetery:
Holy Name Cemetery
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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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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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
469th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 First Lieutenant Jerry Donald Driscoll (AFSN: 1528K), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 pilot with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia in 1965/1966. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
469th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 First Lieutenant Jerry Donald Driscoll (AFSN: 1528K), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 pilot with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia in 1965/1966. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 2, 1984 – June 30, 1987
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 Jerry Donald Driscoll (AFSN: 1528K), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 085, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, California, from 2 July 1984 to 30 June 1987. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Driscoll resulted in a detachment that is in a much stronger position structurally, financially, and politically than ever before. The continuation of Air Force reserve officer production at this leading public institution, in spite of crippling manning shortages, a catastrophic fire, and a virulently hostile anti-military environment reflects the tenacity, swift planning, and extraordinary efforts displayed by Colonel Driscoll. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Driscoll culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect 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:
April 1966 – April 1969
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 Jerry Donald Driscoll (AFSN: 1528K), 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 April 1966 to April 1969. 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:
First LieutenantBatallion:
469th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
April 24, 1966
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Jerry Donald Driscoll (AFSN: 1528K), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Fighter Pilot of the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 24 April 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Driscoll’s aircraft came under heavy attack by surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery while attempting to destroy one of the most difficult targets – the Bac Giang railroad bridge. Pressing the attack against extremely hazardous conditions, Lieutenant Driscoll without regard for his own safety pursued his target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Driscoll reflect 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:
April 24, 1966 – February 12, 1973
Major Jerry Donald Driscoll (AFSN: 1528K), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from April 24, 1966 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 1, 1969 – January 15, 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major Jerry Donald Driscoll (AFSN: 1528K), United States Air Force, for outstanding achievement in a position of leadership while detained as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 1 December 1969 to 15 January 1973. This officer performed duties dealing in highly classified material while under constant surveillance of the enemy. He generated new ideas and improvised new techniques which greatly enhanced covert operations. His outstanding performance and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 24, 1970 – January 25, 1973
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 Major Jerry Donald Driscoll (AFSN: 1528K), 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 24 November 1970 to 25 January 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:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 15, 1966
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Jerry Donald Driscoll (AFSN: 1528K), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 15 June 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. Major Driscoll 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.