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 Arthur Thomas Hoffson (AFSN: FV-3152442), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander, United States Air Force Defense Weapons Center, and Vice Commander, FIRST Air Force, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, from 6 August 1990 to 30 September 1992. During this period, Colonel Hoffson prepared the United States Air Defense Weapon Center for a Headquarters Tactical Air Command Unit Effectiveness Inspection. The results were absolutely spectacular – the most “best seen to date” ratings ever given in a Tactical Air Command Inspection! Colonel Hoffson was the single point of contact for the extremely efficient relocation of FIRST Air Force to Tyndall Air Force Base. Once here, he designed and implemented the entire FIRST Air Force Quality Program from the Quality Council to training for every member in the organization. Colonel Hoffson has always put the people and the mission first. The result – his outstanding leadership, personal initiative, and devotion to duty have caused significant, long-term improvements to the United States Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Hoffson 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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Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
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Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 17, 1968 – March 14, 1973
Captain Arthur Thomas Hoffson (AFSN: FV-3152442), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from August 17, 1968 until his release on March 14, 1973.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 16 – 23, 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 Arthur Thomas Hoffson (AFSN: FV-3152442), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period 16 to 23 September 1968, 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 Hoffson 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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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 to First Lieutenant Arthur Thomas Hoffson (AFSN: FV-3152442), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Pilot in Southeast Asia on 17 August 1968. On that date, Lieutenant Hoffson was assigned a heavily defended, vital communications link in North Vietnam. En route to the target, Lieutenant Hoffson’s alertness and professional ability were instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the flight. Upon arrival, in spite of known hostile defenses and seriously adverse weather conditions, Lieutenant Hoffson courageously continued his attack upon the important target. By his heroism and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Hoffson 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:
August 1968 – August 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 Arthur Thomas Hoffson (AFSN: FV-3152442), 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 August 1968 to August 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.