Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Superior Service Medal to Lieutenant Colonel David Edward Ford (AFSN: AF-11270496/FV3122074), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious service as Chief, Air Force/Navy Section, Morocco/United States Liaison Office, Rabat, Morocco, United States European Command, from May 1981 through December 1983. Lieutenant Colonel Ford successfully implemented United States security assistance policy in Morocco. A true military diplomat and accomplished French linguist his professional advice and expertise were continuously sought to further the mutual strategic objectives of the United States and further the mutual strategic objectives of the United States and Moroccan governments in the area. His important recommendations concerning organizing, equipping and training the Royal Moroccan Air Force contributed significantly to major modernization efforts. During Lieutenant Colonel Ford’s tour in Morocco, the United States Security Assistance to Morocco entered an intensified period of military cooperation between the United States and Morocco, with the first United States/Moroccan Joint Military Commission meeting, completion of the Access and Transit Agreement, and Joint Military Exercises involving the armed forces of both nations. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Ford culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 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 Major David Edward Ford (AFSN: AF-11270496/FV3122074), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during 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. Major Ford 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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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 19, 1967 – March 14, 1973
Major David Edward Ford (AFSN: AF-11270496/FV3122074), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from November 19, 1967 until his release on March 14, 1973.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
11th Tactical Reconnaissance SquadronDivision:
Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
November 6, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-162 (June 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 Captain David Edward Ford (AFSN: AF-11270496/FV3122074), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an RF-4C Navigator of the 11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Forces, in action over North Vietnam on 6 November 1967. On that date, Captain Ford displayed outstanding aerial competence and courageous professionalism in the aggressive pursuance and acquisition of the assigned targets. The tenacity of Captain Ford to attain the objective against formidable defenses is in accord with the highest military standards. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Ford has reflected 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:
November 1967 – November 1970
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 David Edward Ford (AFSN: AF-11270496/FV3122074), 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 November 1967 to November 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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
11th Tactical Reconnaissance SquadronDivision:
Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
November 19, 1967
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Order G-59 (March 13, 1970)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 Captain David Edward Ford (AFSN: AF-11270496/FV3122074), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an RF-4C Navigator of the 11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Forces, in action over North Vietnam on 19 November 1967. On that date, Captain Ford was shot down while participating in aerial flight in the execution of a high priority reconnaissance mission endeavoring to acquire vital intelligence data in support of the United States’ commitment in Southeast Asia. His tenacity and fortitude were unquestionably displayed when he continued the pursuance of his assigned target after receiving battle damage. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Ford has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.