Robert Sponeybarger was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on December 22, 1972, and was held until his release on March 29, 1973.
Sponsored by:
Robert
David
Sponeybarger
POW (RVN)
July 8, 1940
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Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 22, 1972 – March 29, 1973
Captain Robert David Sponeybarger (AFSN: FV-3135079/13769447), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 22, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.
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Silver Star
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 Robert David Sponeybarger (AFSN: FV-3135079/13769447), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 22 December 1972. On that date, Captain Sponeybarger, as Aircraft commander, struck a vital storage area in the heart of Hanoi destroying a significant quantity of stockpiled military supplies. Despite intense and extremely accurate anti-aircraft fire and the surface-to-air missile threat, Captain Sponeybarger continued his mission. Suffering the loss of one engine over the target, Captain Sponeybarger was still able to direct his aircraft out of the immediate Hanoi area before he was forced to eject. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Sponeybarger has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
August 15, 1985 – August 31, 1988
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 Robert David Sponeybarger (AFSN: FV-3135079/13769447), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 370, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, from 15 August 1985 to 31 August 1988. In this important assignment, the outstanding professional leadership and superb managerial skill of Colonel Sponeybarger was directly responsible for the overall improvement of recruiting, facilities and a positive military image in the community. His community involvement and excellent working relations withy members of the university contributed significantly to the success of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps mission at the University of Massachusetts. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Sponeybarger culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.