Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Irby
David
Terrell
, Jr.
POW (RVN)
November 10, 1933

–

October 14, 2006

Cemetery:

Big Canoe Chapel Cemetery

Irby Terrell was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on January 14, 1968, and after evading his pursuers for two days. He was held until his release on March 14, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    January 14, 1968 – March 14, 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 Irby David Terrell, Jr. (AFSN: FV-3035168), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 14 January 1968 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    41st Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron

    Division:

    Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    January 14, 1968

    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 Major Irby David Terrell, Jr. (AFSN: FV-3035168), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 41st Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 14 January 1968. On that date, Major Terrell, by his outstanding display of professionalism and courage in the face of hostile fire from unfriendly forces, was highly instrumental in the overall success of the air operation. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Terrell 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:

    January 14, 1968 – March 14, 1973

    (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 Lieutenant Colonel Irby David Terrell, Jr. (AFSN: FV-3035168), 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.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    January 14, 1968 – March 14, 1973

    Lieutenant Colonel Irby David Terrell, Jr. (AFSN: FV-3035168), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from January 14, 1968 until his release on March 14, 1973.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    January 19, 1968

    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 Irby David Terrell, Jr. (AFSN: FV-3035168), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 19 January 1968, 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 Terrell 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.