The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant James Richard Shively (AFSN: FR-78909), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot of the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action near near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 20 January 1967. On that date, while flying as a wingman in a flight of four F-105’s, Lieutenant Shively successfully penetrated and evaded heavy barrages of flak and salvoes of surface-to-air missiles. Disregarding his own safety, he successfully delivered all his ordnance directly on target, amidst tracking flak and a pursuing missile. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Shively reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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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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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
Vietnam War
(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 First Lieutenant James Richard Shively (AFSN: FR-78909), 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. 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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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 5, 1967 – February 18, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an 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 First Lieutenant James Richard Shively (AFSN: FR-78909), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period from 5 May 1967 to 18 February 1973, 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 Abbott 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:
First LieutenantBatallion:
357th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
May 5, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-842 (June 14, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant James Richard Shively (AFSN: FR-78909), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Pilot of the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 5 May 1967. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from unfriendly forces, Lieutenant Shively demonstrated courage, undaunted determination, and superior skill in pressing home devastating air attacks against hostile positions. Persevering in the face of danger, he relentlessly and effectively aided in neutralizing the hostile forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Shively has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 5, 1967 – February 18, 1973
First Lieutenant James Richard Shively (AFSN: FR-78909), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 5, 1967 until his release on February 18, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 5, 1967 – February 18, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 First Lieutenant James Richard Shively (AFSN: FR-78909), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 5 May 1967 to 18 February 1973. 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
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
357th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
March 11, 1967
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 James Richard Shively (AFSN: FR-78909), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot of the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action near Thai Ngyen, North Vietnam on 11 March 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Shively flew through an extremely hostile environment and struck a heavily defended target. Disregarding his own personal safety, he courageously pinpointed the position of a downed flight member and initiated rescue procedures. His aggressiveness and courage under intense fire are in keeping with the highest traditions of airmanship. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Shively reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.