Captain Melvin Pollack (AFSN: FV-3149044), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from July 6, 1967 until his release on March 4, 1973.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 1967 – July 1970
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 Melvin Pollack (AFSN: FV-3149044), 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 1967 to July 1970. 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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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
480th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
DaNang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
July 6, 1967
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 First Lieutenant Melvin Pollack (AFSN: FV-3149044), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4C Pilot of the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action over North Vietnam on 6 July 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Pollack led his flight deep into hostile territory. Despite extremely heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Pollack led his flight in a precision attack on the target. Through his skill and courage, all of the flight’s ordnance was delivered on target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Pollack has reflected 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 Melvin Pollack (AFSN: FV-3149044), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Pilot over North Vietnam on 21 June 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Pollack, despite hostile ground fire, participated in the bombing of an infiltration route in North Vietnam, resulting in interdiction of the route. In addition, Lieutenant Pollack under dim moonlight illumination and in mountainous terrain, delivered high explosive ordnance on a suspected storage area near the ferry complex. As a result of this action many secondary explosions and fires were obtained and the storage area was left in ruin. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Pollack reflect 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:
May 1968 – January 1973
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 Melvin Pollack (AFSN: FV-3149044), 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 May 1968 to January 1973. 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.