The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Norman C. Gaddis, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Gaddis distinguished himself while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 1970 to February 1973. During this period, General Gaddis displayed professional competence, unwavering devotion and loyalty to his country in the execution of his duties in staff and command positions while in potentially volatile daily contact with the Vietnamese guards and officers. General Gaddis performed his duties in accord with the Code of Conduct, exhibiting leadership, courage, and determination, regardless of the cost in the many tortures and beatings which he had to endure. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Gaddis reflected the highest 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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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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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
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Brigadier GeneralDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 12 – June 9, 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 Brigadier General Norman C. Gaddis, United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period from 12 May 1967 to 9 June 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. General Gaddis 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 the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Norman C. Gaddis (AFSN: FR-26772), 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 General Gaddis 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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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelRegiment:
12th Tactical Fighter WingAction Date:
February 6, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-894 (June 21, 1967)(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 Colonel Norman C. Gaddis (AFSN: FR-26772), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot and Assistant Deputy Commander of the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing, Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia on 6 February 1967. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelBatallion:
588th Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
12th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Cam Rahn Bay Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
May 12, 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 Norman C. Gaddis, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F4 Phantom airplane of the 588th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 12th Tactical Fighter Wing, Cam Rahn Bay Air Base, Vietnam, FAR EAST Air Forces, in action over North Vietnam on 12 May 1967. On that date, Colonel Gaddis participated in an extremely hazardous escort mission. In spite of intense anti-aircraft fire, surface-to-air missiles, and numerous hostile aircraft along his flight path, he carried out his mission in an outstanding manner. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Gaddis has 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:
May 12, 1967 – March 4, 1973
Colonel Norman C. Gaddis, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 12, 1967 until his release on March 4, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 12, 1967 – March 4, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Norman C. Gaddis (AFSN: FR-26772), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 12 May 1967 to 4 March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he 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:
May 12, 1967 – March 4, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Norman C. Gaddis (AFSN: FR-26772), United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an enemy armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. 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.