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Navy Federal Credit Union
Henry
James
Bedinger
POW (RVN)
1945

–

Henry Bedinger was interned as a Prisoner of War in Laos after he was shot down on November 22, 1969 and was held until his release on March 28, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    January – December 1970

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Henry James Bedinger (NSN: 0-6958631), United States Navy, for meritorious service as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from January through December 1970. Through his ceaseless efforts, in an atmosphere of enemy harassment, threat of torture and brutal treatment, he established and maintained intracamp communications. At great risk and in spite of further cruelty, he continued to devise many unusual and ingenious methods of communications, resulting in American and Allied prisoners resisting the enemy’s demands and at the same time improving the prisoners’ morale. By his heroic endeavors, exceptional skill, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    November 22, 1969 – March 28, 1973

    Lieutenant Henry James Bedinger (NSN: 0-6958631), United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from November 22, 1969 until his release on March 28, 1973.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War in North Vietnam

    Action Date:

    November 1969 – March 1973

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Henry James Bedinger (NSN: 0-6958631), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from November 1969 – March 1973. Under the most adverse of conditions, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States and his fellow prisoners. Despite the adversities of confinement, he performed such duties and responsibilities as assigned by superiors and required of the Code of Conduct in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and dedication throughout this period of imprisonment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. (Lieutenant Bedinger is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)