Captain Michael Christopher Lane, United States Air Force (Reserve), was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 2, 1966 until his release on February 18, 1973.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 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 Captain Michael Christopher Lane, United States Air Force (Reserve), for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during December 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. Captain Lane 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 Michael Christopher Lane, United States Air Force (Reserve), for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Pilot in Southeast Asia on 30 November 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Lane flew a strike against a hostile gun emplacement. With unwavering calmness and courage, Lieutenant Lane delivered his ordnance in the face of hostile fire and marginal weather; his perseverance effected destruction of a major obstacle to air operations and denied the hostile forces valuable resources. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Lane 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:
May 18, 1985 – September 30, 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 Michael Christopher Lane, United States Air Force (Reserve), for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander, Air Force Human Resources Laboratory, Brooks Air Force Base, Texas, from 18 May 1985 to 10 May 1986; and as Chief, Operations Training Division, Air Force Human Resources Laboratory, Human Systems Division, Air Force Systems Command, Williams Air Force Base, Arizona, from 18 May 1986 to 30 September 1988. In these important assignments, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Lane directly contributed to the effectiveness and success of research and development efforts for manpower and personnel, operational and technical training, simulation, and logistics systems. These combined programs ensure highly motivated, well trained Air Force personnel will be maintained at peak readiness to deter enemy aggression and provide for the security of this nation. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Lane 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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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 1966 – 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 Captain Michael Christopher Lane, United States Air Force (Reserve), 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 1966 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:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
March 1967
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 Michael Christopher Lane, 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 March 1967. 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.