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Specialist Fifth Class Robert James Pryor (ASN: RA-12901441), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War in Cambodia from February 12, 1969 until his release on March 12, 1969.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fifth Class

    Action Date:

    February 12 – 19, 1969
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 50 (September 8, 1970)

    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 Specialist Fifth Class Robert James Pryor (ASN: RA-12901441), United States Army, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life while serving with the 146th Aviation Company, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 12 February 1969, and during the ensuing period of captivity that ended on 19 February 1969. On 12 February 1969, while serving on a classified airborne mission over the Republic of Vietnam, the plane in which Specialist Pryor was a crew member came under hostile fire and was forced to land in hostile territory. Specialist Pryor, knowing the potential loss to the United States effort in Vietnam if the enemy came into possession of the aircraft, took up a defensive position near the aircraft. In the ensuing intense fire fight, Specialist Pryor took a determined stand with a small caliber weapon. He and his fellow crew members fought valiantly until they were sure that the sensitive aircraft had been destroyed. After the aircraft’s destruction, they continued to fire at the enemy in hope that the numerically superior force could be held at bay until rescue attempts could be undertaken. Finally, out of ammunition, Specialist Pryor and his fellow crew members were captured. Specialist Pryor, after capture, resisted all interrogation concerning his mission or activities aboard the aircraft. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to his country, Specialist Pryor has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Action Date:

    February 12, 1969 – March 12, 1969

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Staff Sergeant Robert James Pryor (ASN: RA-12901441), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while detained as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia during the period 12 February 1969 to 12 March 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 Southeast Asia demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, this American continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fifth Class

    Action Date:

    February 12, 1969 – March 12, 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 Specialist Fifth Class Robert James Pryor (ASN: RA-12901441), United States Army, for meritorious action in conneciton with military operaonis against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. During the period 12 February 1969 to 12 March 1969, he consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding results. His rapid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in a combat environment greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy. Despite many adversities, he invariably performed his duties in a resolute and efficient manner. Energetically applying his sound judgment and extensive knowledge, he has contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the United States mission in the Republic of Vietnam. His loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.