Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Joseph Crecca, Jr. (AFSN: AF-12701532), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of a tactical jet fighter near Thuy Ba, North Vietnam on 7 November 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Crecca’s flight of three tactical fighters was diverted from their pre-planned target to a highly important hostile storage and supply point. In the ensuing flight, Lieutenant Crecca accurately navigated the flight to the new target through severe weather conditions, located the target visually and controlled the flight during the critical attack phase. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Crecca reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    September 1968 – November 1969

    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 Captain Joseph Crecca, Jr. (AFSN: AF-12701532), 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 September 1968 to November 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.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    November 22, 1966 – February 18, 1973

    Captain Joseph Crecca, Jr. (AFSN: AF-12701532), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from November 22, 1966 until his release on February 18, 1973.