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 Colonel Bruce Gibson Seeber (AFSN: AO-3025300), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 1965 to May 1972. Under the most adverse of conditions, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States, never wavering in his devotion and loyalty to the United States. Despite the adversities of confinement, he performed such duties and responsibilities as assigned by superiors and required of the Code of Conduct in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and dedication throughout this period of imprisonment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 1, 1968 – January 15, 1973
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 Colonel Bruce Gibson Seeber (AFSN: AO-3025300), United States Air Force, for outstanding achievement in a position of leadership while detained as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 1 December 1968 to 15 January 1973. This officer performed duties dealing in highly classified material while under constant surveillance of the enemy. He generated new ideas and improvised new techniques which greatly enhanced covert operations. His outstanding performance and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel Bruce Gibson Seeber (AFSN: AO-3025300), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during June 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. Colonel Seeber 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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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
36th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
October 5, 1965
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 Bruce Gibson Seeber (AFSN: AO-3025300), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam, on 5 October 1965. On that date, Captain Seeber led a flight of F-105 Fighter-Bombers against a vital target complex deep within hostile territory. Penetrating perimeter defenses on a high speed low-level approach to minimize the effectiveness of anti-aircraft fire, Captain Seeber found the primary target obscured by clouds and rain. Not to be deterred, he selected a target of opportunity and changed his tactics by climbing into the overhanging clouds, thus exposing himself to radar controlled gunfire, to position his flight for a perfect bombing pass on a key roadway. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Seeber has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 1965 – January 1966
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 Colonel Bruce Gibson Seeber (AFSN: AO-3025300), 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 October 1965 to January 1966. 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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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 5, 1965 – February 12, 1973
Colonel Bruce Gibson Seeber (AFSN: AO-3025300), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 5, 1965 until his release on February 12, 1973.