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 Major Robert D. Jeffrey (AFSN: AD-13678537), United States Air Force, for meritorious achievement as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 1969 to June 1970. With complete disregard for his own safety and personal welfare in a period of severe enemy harassment, he voluntarily took complete care of a seriously wounded fellow prisoner who was not receiving any treatment from the North Vietnamese. By his courageous actions and humanitarian regard for his fellowman, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 20, 1965 – February 12, 1973
Major Robert D. Jeffrey (AFSN: AD-13678537), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 20, 1965 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 1965 – December 1969
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 Robert D. Jeffrey (AFSN: AD-13678537), 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 December 1965 to December 1969. 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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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
January 1, 1969 – January 15, 1973
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 Major Robert D. Jeffrey (AFSN: AD-13678537), United States Air Force, for outstanding achievement in a position of leadership while detained as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 1 January 1969 to 15 January 1973. This officer performed duties dealing in highly classified material while under constant surveillance of the enemy. He generated new ideas and improvised new techniques which greatly enhanced covert operations. His outstanding performance and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 1966
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 Major Robert D. Jeffrey (AFSN: AD-13678537), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during June 1966, 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 Jeffrey 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.