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 Robert Baldwin Purcell (AFSN: FR-53786), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief Fighter-Bomber over North Vietnam on 27 July 1965. On that date, Captain Purcell participated in a strike against a heavily defended surface-to-air missile site near Hanoi, North Vietnam. This was the first attack by fighters on an operational SAM site in military history and the hazards involved cannot be overemphasized. Penetrating the target defenses on a low level high speed run, Captain Purcell exhibited exceptional courage in pressing his attack to successful completion in spite of disabling hits to his aircraft from intense anti-aircraft fire. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Purcell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
April 1966
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Baldwin Purcell (AFSN: FR-53786), United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an enemy armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam during April 1966. The North Vietnamese and interrogators and guards kept constant pressure on this officer through harassment, intimidation, and cruelties from which they hoped to gain information and cooperative participation in their propaganda exercises. This individual heroically resisted their treatment in a manner which served as an inspiration to others in the camp and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 1970 – February 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 Lieutenant Colonel Robert Baldwin Purcell (AFSN: FR-53786), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while engaged in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam during the period November 1970 to February 1973. Colonel Purcell performed duties in staff and command positions while in potentially volatile daily contact with the Vietnamese guards and officers. As a leader and staff advisor, he successfully coped with daily problems which required patience, perseverance, and at times ingenuity. He performed his duties in an outstanding manner over long periods of time with dedication and loyalty which reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of 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:
June 1969
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 Robert Baldwin Purcell (AFSN: FR-53786), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in June 1969, while being held Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. After a planned escape from the “Zoo Camp,” the enemy launched into a massive torture purge attempting to gain prisoner secrets and propaganda materials. Tortured well beyond the normal threshold of pain, Colonel Purcell continued to resist the enemy. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Colonel Purcell has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
September 9, 1977 – August 31, 1980
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Robert Baldwin Purcell (AFSN: FR-53786), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 9 September 1977 to 31 August 1980. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Purcell and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 27, 1965 – February 12, 1973
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Baldwin Purcell (AFSN: FR-53786), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from July 27, 1965 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 1965 – July 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 Lieutenant Colonel Robert Baldwin Purcell (AFSN: FR-53786), 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 1965 to 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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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 1965 – August 1970
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Baldwin Purcell (AFSN: FR-53786), 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 August 1965 to August 1970. 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.