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 Richard Allen Dutton (AFSN: 0-22497), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while detained as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Colonel Dutton performed duties in staff and command positions while in potentially volatile daily contact with the Vietnamese guards and officers. As a leader and staff advisor, he successfully coped with daily problems which required patience, perseverance and at times ingenuity. He performed his duties in an outstanding manner over long periods of time with dedication and loyalty 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
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 1, 1971 – January 15, 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 Colonel Richard Allen Dutton (AFSN: 0-22497), United States Air Force, for outstanding achievement in a position of leadership while detained as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 1 May 1971 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.
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 5, 1967 – March 14, 1973
Colonel Richard Allen Dutton (AFSN: 0-22497), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from November 5, 1967 until his release on March 14, 1973.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 10, 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 Richard Allen Dutton (AFSN: 0-22497), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 10 November 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 Dutton 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.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
333d Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Taklhi Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
November 5, 1967
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Order G-161 (January 15, 1968)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 Major Richard Allen Dutton (AFSN: 0-22497), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Pilot of the 333d Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Forces, in action over North Vietnam, on 5 November 1967. On that date, Major Dutton displayed outstanding aerial competence and courageous professionalism in the aggressive pursuance and acquisition of the assigned targets. The tenacity of Major Dutton to attain the objective against formidable defenses is in accord with the highest military standards. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Dutton has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Richard Allen Dutton (AFSN: 0-22497), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 8 May 1966. On that date, Major Dutton was element leader of a flight of four F-105’s striking a vital, heavily defended railroad bridge near Hanoi, North Vietnam. Despite adverse weather conditions, and confirmed and accurate ground fire, Major Dutton inflicted heavy damage on his assigned target with high explosive ordnance. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Dutton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
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 Richard Allen Dutton (AFSN: 0-22497), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a combat aircrew member in Southeast Asia on 24 April 1966. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from unfriendly forces, Major Dutton demonstrated cool courage, undaunted determination, and superior skill in pressing home devastating air attacks against hostile positions. Persevering in the face of danger and death, he relentlessly and effectively aided in neutralizing the hostile forces. Major Dutton displayed outstanding heroism and devotion to duty and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.