Navy Federal Credit Union

James Young was born in Michigan but as a boy, grew up in England and witnessed the Battle of Britain first-hand. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on May 22, 1948, and served in the Berlin Airlift. During the Vietnam War he was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on July 6, 1966, and was held until his release on February 12, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    January 10, 1966 – July 6, 1966

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Major James Faulds Young (AFSN: FR-46611A/AO-3007757), United States Air Force, for meritorious achievement as Supply Officer and Public Information Officer while engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia, from 10 January 1966 to 6 July 1966. During this period, while exposed to enemy infiltration, sabotage, and terrorism activities, Major Young efficiently solved major supply problems connected with two moves by his unit, resulting in his unit’s completing the moves under combat conditions without the loss of a single combat sortie. Major Young’s untiring efforts in furnishing information to the public concerning the Air Force mission in Southeast Asia aided immeasurably in sustaining high morale and combat efficiency in his and other units engaged in combat. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Young in this responsible position reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    July 6, 1966 – February 12, 1973

    Colonel James Faulds Young (AFSN: FR-46611A/AO-3007757), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from July 6, 1966 until his release on February 12, 1973.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    July 1971 – December 1971

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Colonel James Faulds Young (AFSN: FR-46611A/AO-3007757), United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an enemy armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam during the period July 1971 to December 1971. The North Vietnamese and interrogators and guards kept constant pressure on this officer through harassment, intimidation, and cruelties from which they hoped to gain information and cooperative participation in their propaganda exercises. This individual heroically resisted their treatment in a manner which served as an inspiration to others in the camp and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    May 1967 – July 1969

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Colonel James Faulds Young (AFSN: FR-46611A/AO-3007757), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement as a Prisoner of War while engaged in operations against an opposing armed force in North Vietnam during the period May 1967 to July 1969. In an atmosphere of enemy harassment and brutal treatment, he continued to establish and maintain communications through unusual and ingenious methods, which resulted in American and Allied prisoners presenting a posture of increased resistance to the enemy’s wishes, and, at the same time, improving prisoner morale. By his heroic endeavors and devotion to duty under adverse conditions of his environment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    20th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Regiment:

    460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing

    Division:

    Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    May 22, 1966

    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 James Faulds Young (AFSN: FR-46611A/AO-3007757), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an RF-101 reconnaissance aircraft of the 20th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam, in action in North Vietnam on 22 May 1966. On that date, Major Young flew a single-seat, unarmed RF-101 reconnaissance aircraft deep into hostile territory against one of the most formidable defense systems ever faced by air crews. Despite battle damage received en route to his target, Major Young, realizing the importance of his mission, resolutely pressed on. Reaching his target area, he faced an even greater danger from intense flak and missiles in that he had to fly a straight and level course to obtain target photography. Major Young’s missile warning scope blazed with indications of missile lock-on as he proceeded on his photo run; however, he determinedly held his course and successfully completed a vital reconnaissance mission of great significance to national security. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Young has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    October 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 Colonel James Faulds Young (AFSN: FR-46611A/AO-3007757), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during 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. Colonel Young 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    July 1966 – July 1969

    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 James Faulds Young (AFSN: FR-46611A/AO-3007757), 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 July 1966 to July 1969. 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    May 9, 1966

    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 James Faulds Young (AFSN: FR-46611A/AO-3007757), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Reconnaissance Pilot over North Vietnam on 9 May 1966. On that date, Major Young experienced engine failure while piloting his aircraft on a hazardous mission over hostile territory. In the face of formidable hostile missile and ground fire defenses, Major Young, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, continued and successfully completed his mission, providing friendly forces with vital intelligence data on hostile posture and capability. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Young reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.