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 Fletcher Gray, Jr., United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 28 January 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. Captain Gray 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
January 23, 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 Captain David Fletcher Gray, Jr., United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 23 January 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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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
497th Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
8th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Ubon 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 Captain David Fletcher Gray, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an F-4 Phantom II Fighter of the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia in 1967. 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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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
January 23, 1967 – March 4, 1973
Captain David Fletcher Gray, Jr., United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from January 23, 1967 until his release on March 4, 1973.
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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 Lieutenant Colonel David Fletcher Gray, Jr., 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 Lieutenant Colonel Gray culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.