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 Robert Bruce Hinckley (AFSN: FV-3146679), 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 January 1968 to December 1969. 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
435th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
January 18, 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 Robert Bruce Hinckley (AFSN: FV-3146679), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Force, in action over North Vietnam, on 18 January 1968. On that date, Captain Hinckley delivered his ordnance on an important strategic target in the face of intense anti-aircraft artillery fire, tracking Surface-to-Air missiles, and attacking hostile aircraft. With exceptional boldness and courage, Captain Hinckley then engaged the hostile aircraft in close air to air combat. As a direct result of Captain Hinckley’s efforts, his target was heavily damaged, and one hostile aircraft was shot down. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Hinckley has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
January 1968 – January 1971
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 Captain Robert Bruce Hinckley (AFSN: FV-3146679), 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 January 1968 – January 1971. 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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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
March 5, 1986 – June 1, 1988
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 Robert Bruce Hinckley (AFSN: FV-3146679), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 11th Tactical Control Group and as Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Headquarters Alaskan Air Command, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, from 5 March 1986 to 1 June 1988. During this period, Colonel Hinckley’s innovative leadership, persistent drive, and unwavering dedication significantly enhanced the effectiveness of the Alaskan Air Command. His skillful negotiations, superb coordination, and knowledgeable guidance culminated in agreements between Alaskan Air Command, Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, United States Navy, and United States Coast Guard Forces. These agreements paved the way for the future defense of the northern approaches to North America. His personal involvement in day-to-day operations improved training, increased readiness, and resulted in Alaska’s selection as the most outstanding North American Aerospace Defense Region in the United States or Canada. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Hinckley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 4, 1988 – July 31, 1991
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Robert Bruce Hinckley (AFSN: FV-3146679), 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 Crops Detachment 157, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida, from 4 July 1988 to 31 July 1991. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Hinckley resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness and success of this critical commissioning program. During this period, his personal involvement and hands-on leadership style were directly responsible for the growth of his unit into the largest producer of officers and pilots in the command, two Excellent ratings earned from the Air Training Command Inspector General, and the detachment’s selection for the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Hinckley 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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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
January 18, 1968 – March 14, 1973
Captain Robert Bruce Hinckley (AFSN: FV-3146679), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from January 18, 1968 until his release on March 14, 1973.