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 Major James Elton Sehorn, 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 March 1968 to May 1972. 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 1967
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 Major James Elton Sehorn, United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an enemy armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam during October 1967. 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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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 1967 – December 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 Major James Elton Sehorn, 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 December 1967 to December 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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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 Captain James Elton Sehorn, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot over North Vietnam on 14 December 1967. On that date, Captain Sehorn successfully attacked a target of vital importance to hostile forces despite intense ground fire. In addition a timely warning on his part allowed for a large flight force to outmaneuver a hostile tracking surface-to-air missile. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Sehorn reflect 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 17, 1987 – February 3, 1990
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 James Elton Sehorn, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Air Force Reserve Advisor to the Commander in Chief, Military Airlift Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, from 17 September 1987 to 3 February 1990. During this period, Colonel Sehorn’s exemplary ability, superior leadership, dedication to duty, and exceptional knowledge of Air Force Reserve programs and policies were instrumental in resolving many complex issues of major importance to the Air Force, the Military Airlift Command, the Air Force Reserve. His ceaseless efforts aided immeasurably in cementing the Military Airlift Command and the Air Force Reserve into a strong total force, synergistically enhancing the Military Airlift Command’s airlift capability. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Sehorn while serving his country reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 19, 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 Major James Elton Sehorn, United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 19 December 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. Major Sehorn 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:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 14, 1967 – March 14, 1973
Major James Elton Sehorn, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 14, 1967 until his release on March 14, 1973.