Navy Federal Credit Union

Robert Stirm was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on October 27, 1967, and was held until his release on March 14, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    October 30, 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Lewis Stirm (AFSN: FV-3036919), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 30 October 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. Lieutenant Colonel Stirm 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.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    October 27, 1967 – March 14, 1973

    Lieutenant Colonel Robert Lewis Stirm (AFSN: FV-3036919), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 27, 1967 until his release on March 14, 1973.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    October 24, 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 Robert Lewis Stirm (AFSN: FV-3036919), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 24 October 1967. On that date, Major Stirm was the element leader of the first bomb flight executed against a high priority military target. In spite of aggressive MiG fighters, surface-to-air missiles, and intense flak, he delivered his ordnance directly on target, destroying major elements of this vital airfield. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Stirm reflect 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:

    October 1967 – October 1970

    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 Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Lewis Stirm (AFSN: FV-3036919), 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 October 1967 to October 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    333d Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    October 27, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2191 (December 7, 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 Robert Lewis Stirm (AFSN: FV-3036919), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Republic F-105 Thunderchief Strike Pilot of the 333d Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 27 October 1967. On that date, Major Stirm was flight lead in a strike force directed against a highly strategic bridge in the North Vietnamese supply network. With complete disregard to his personal safety, he led his flight through intense flak and several barrages of surface-to-air missiles. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Stirm has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    October 1967 – October 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 Lieutenant Colonel Robert Lewis Stirm (AFSN: FV-3036919), 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 October 1967 to October 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Robert Lewis Stirm (AFSN: FV-3036919), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Stirm culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.