Navy Federal Credit Union

Richard Bates was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on October 5, 1972 and was held until his release on March 29, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    433d Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Richard Lyman Bates, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4 Weapons System Officer with the 433d Tactical Fighter Squadron at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia in 1972. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    433d Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Richard Lyman Bates, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4 Weapons System Officer with the 433d Tactical Fighter Squadron at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia in 1972. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    October 5, 1972 – March 29, 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 First Lieutenant Richard Lyman Bates, United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. 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.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    October 5, 1972 – March 29, 1973

    First Lieutenant Richard Lyman Bates, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 5, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    433d Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Richard Lyman Bates, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4 Weapons System Officer with the 433d Tactical Fighter Squadron at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia in 1972. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.