Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Jay Roger Jensen (AFSN: 28937887/3033604), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Electronics Warfare Officer of the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Force, in action near Vinh, North Vietnam, on 18 February 1967. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from unfriendly forces, Captain Jensen demonstrated courage, undaunted determination, and superior skill in pressing home devastating air attacks against hostile positions. Persevering in the face of danger, he relentlessly and effectively aided in neutralizing the hostile forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Jensen has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    April 1, 1969 – April 30, 1969

    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 Lieutenant Colonel Jay Roger Jensen (AFSN: 28937887/3033604), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 1 April 1969 to 30 April 1969. 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.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    February 18, 1967 – February 18, 1973

    Lieutenant Colonel Jay Roger Jensen (AFSN: 28937887/3033604), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from February 18, 1967 until his release on February 18, 1973.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    February 19, 1967 – February 18, 1973
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-979 (December 16, 1975)

    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 Jay Roger Jensen (AFSN: 28937887/3033604), 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 19 February 1967 to 18 February 1973. 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    February 18 – 22, 1967
    Headquarters, Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-979 (December 16, 1975)

    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 Lieutenant Colonel Jay Roger Jensen (AFSN: 28937887/3033604), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period 18 to 22 February 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. Lieutenant Colonel Jensen 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.