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 First Lieutenant Hector Michael Acosta, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Weapon Systems Operator near Vu Chua, North Vietnam, on 11 September 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Acosta planned and flew in a flight assigned to obtain bomb damage assessment of two bridges on the heavily defended Northeast Railroad. Penetrating deep into the heart of North Vietnam, Lieutenant Acosta courageously evaded intense anti-aircraft artillery to obtain invaluable photography. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Acosta reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Hector Michael Acosta, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Weapon Systems Operator near Vu Chua, North Vietnam, on 11 September 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Acosta planned and flew in a flight assigned to obtain bomb damage assessment of two bridges on the heavily defended Northeast Railroad. Penetrating deep into the heart of North Vietnam, Lieutenant Acosta courageously evaded intense anti-aircraft artillery to obtain invaluable photography. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Acosta reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 9, 1972 – March 29, 1973
First Lieutenant Hector Michael Acosta, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 9, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 1972 – March 1973
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 First Lieutenant Hector Michael Acosta, United States Air Force, for meritorious service while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 1972 to 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.