Russell Temperley 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.

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Russell Temperley 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.





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(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 Major Russell Edwin Temperley (AFSN: FR-59025), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 27 October 1967 to 14 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.
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Major Russell Edwin Temperley (AFSN FR-59025), 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.
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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 Russell Edwin Temperley (AFSN: FR-59025), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force while serving with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam, on 3 October 1967. On that date, Captain Temperley was a member of a flight of F-105 Thunderchiefs assigned to attack a target deep in hostile territory. When the lead aircraft in his flight was shot down he circled the area, giving cover for his downed comrade. During the rescue operation he braved four separate attacks by surface-to-air missiles, heavy anti-aircraft fire, and harassing hostile aircraft to remain in the area as cover. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Temperley has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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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 Russell Edwin Temperley (AFSN FR-59025), 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 Temperley 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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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 Russell Edwin Temperley (AFSN FR-59025), 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.