Navy Federal Credit Union

Commander Kenneth Leon Coskey, United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 6, 1968 until his release on March 14, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Action Date:

    September 6, 1968 – March 14, 1973

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Kenneth Leon Coskey, United States Navy, 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 September 1968 to March 1973. Under the most adverse conditions, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States, never wavering in his devotion and loyalty to the United States. Despite harsh treatment and a lack of material aids, he devoted long hours toward improving their morale and well-being. His extraordinary skill, resourcefulness, and dedication to duty throughout his lengthy confinement reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. (Commander Coskey is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    January 1971 – September 1972

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Kenneth Leon Coskey, United States Navy, for meritorious service as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from January 1971 to September 1972. 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 in 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.]

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    September 6, 1968 – March 14, 1973

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Kenneth Leon Coskey, United States Navy, for heroic achievement while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 6 September 1968 to 14 March 1973. He never wavered in his devotion and loyalty 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 Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    September 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Kenneth Leon Coskey, United States Navy, for heroic achievement while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in September 1968. Under constant pressure from North Vietnamese interrogators and guards, he experienced harassment, intimidation and ruthless treatment in their attempt to gain military information and cooperative participation for propaganda purposes. He heroically resisted their routine cruelties and never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States. These actions served to inspire and improve the morale of his fellow prisoners in the camp. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness 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.]