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Navy Federal Credit Union
Dewey
Lee
Smith
POW (RVN)
November 11, 1929

–

February 9, 2015

Dewey Smith was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on June 2, 1967, and was held until his release on March 4, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    June 2, 1967 – March 4, 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 Lieutenant Colonel Dewey Lee Smith (AFSN: AO-3003075), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam during the period 2 June 1967 to 4 March 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    June 2, 1967 – March 4, 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 Lieutenant Colonel Dewey Lee Smith (AFSN: AO-3003075), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period 2 June 1967 to 4 March 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    June 2, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1214 (1967)

    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 Major Dewey Lee Smith (AFSN: AO-3003075), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 2 June 1967. On that date, Major Smith attacked a highly defended railroad marshalling yard. Disregarding his own personal safety, Major Smith led his force directly to the target and delivered his ordnance under withering fire from hostile forces. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Smith reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    March 10, 1967
    Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders G-768 (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 Major Dewey Lee Smith (AFSN: AO-3003075), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot near Thai Nguyen, North Vietnam on 10 March 1967. On that date, Major Smith pressed an attack through an extremely intense and deadly anti-aircraft artillery barrage to strike his target with unerring accuracy. His actions exemplify the very highest standards of bravery and professional ability. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Smith reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    June 2, 1967 – March 4, 1973

    Lieutenant Colonel Dewey Lee Smith (AFSN: AO-3003075), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from June 2, 1967 until his release on March 4, 1973.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    34th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    May 14, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special order G-994 (May 14, 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 Dewey Lee Smith (AFSN: AO-3003075), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Tactical Fighter Pilot of the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam, on 14 May 1967. On that date, Major Smith was a member of a flight of F-105s assigned to destroy an extremely heavily defended barracks area. With complete disregard for his own personal safety he flew through intense and accurate anti-aircraft and missile fire to deliver his ordnance directly on target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Smith has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.