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 Darrel E. Pyle (AFSN: AO-3145936), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force from September 1966 to January 1967, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. During this period, Captain Pyle resisted more than forty days of extreme physical and mental torture administered by his North Vietnamese captors. His resistance and resolve was stronger after this ordeal and when given the opportunity to write letters home, he took advantage and used his letter to his family as a vehicle to transmit other prisoner of war names by cleverly thought-out word associations and innuendoes, which proved successful. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Pyle reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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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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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Darrel E. Pyle (AFSN: AO-3145936), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during June 1967, 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 Pyle 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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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 13, 1966 – February 12, 1973
Captain Darrel E. Pyle (AFSN: AO-3145936), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from June 13, 1966 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 1967 – October 1970
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Captain Darrel E. Pyle (AFSN: AO-3145936), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he 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 Darrel E. Pyle (AFSN: AO-3145936), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C pilot over North Vietnam on 27 April 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Pyle braved hostile, intense ground fire in deteriorating weather conditions to successfully devastate a weapons and fuel supply storage area. Had the mission been delayed because of weather or the intense ground fire, these valuable supplies would have been used to fill a vital link in the hostile force re-supply system. The aerial skill, professionalism, and courage displayed by Lieutenant Pyle in the accomplishment of this extremely difficult and hazardous mission far exceeded that expected of an aircrew member. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Pyle 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:
June 1967 – October 1970
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 Darrel E. Pyle (AFSN: AO-3145936), 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 October 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.
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Legion of Merit
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 Darrel E. Pyle (AFSN: AO-3145936), 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 June 1966 to June 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.