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 William H. Means, Jr. (AFSN: FV-3058903), 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 July 1966 – July 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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Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 20, 1966 – February 12, 1973
Lieutenant Colonel William H. Means, Jr. (AFSN: FV-3058903), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from July 20, 1966 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 1967 – July 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 William H. Means, Jr. (AFSN: FV-3058903), 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 June 1967 to July 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.
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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 Captain William H. Means, Jr. (AFSN: FV-3058903), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Aircraft Commander over North Vietnam on 5 July 1966. On that date, while participating in an extremely hazardous combat mission, Captain Means, by his outstanding display of flying skill and judgment, was highly instrumental in the overall success of the air operation. The results of his highly commendable efforts provided a major contribution to the tactical air mission in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Means reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 20 – 30, 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 Lieutenant Colonel William H. Means, Jr. (AFSN: FV-3058903), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force from 20 July 1966 to 30 July 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. Lieutenant Colonel Means 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain William H. Means, Jr. (AFSN: FV-3058903), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an EB-66C aircraft over North Vietnam on 20 July 1966. On that date, Captain Means, by his superior knowledge of ground based anti-aircraft weapons systems, was credited with preventing possible destruction of support aircraft in his area. Realizing that attack was imminent, Captain Means instructed the support aircraft to expedite an evasive maneuver to avoid a direct hit from anti-aircraft weapons. Due to his timely warning, the support aircraft and the other aircraft in his formation were saved. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Means reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.