Navy Federal Credit Union

Carl Chambers was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on August 7, 1967 and was held until his release on March 14, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    August 3, 1967

    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 Carl Dennis Chambers (AFSN: 0-3133401), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C pilot in Southeast Asia on 3 August 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Chambers flew in the lead aircraft on a strike executed against a large hostile force. While his aircraft commander was being plagued by communications malfunctions, Lieutenant Chambers took command and expertly led his flight against the hostile troop concentration. Lieutenant Chambers delivered his ordnance with expert precision, despite marginal weather conditions and intense hostile fire. His outstanding leadership and calm decisions were important factors in relieving a major obstacle to safe ground operations within the target area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Chambers reflects 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:

    August 7, 1967 – March 14, 1973

    First Lieutenant Carl Dennis Chambers (AFSN: 0-3133401), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from August 7, 1967 until his release on March 14, 1973.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    August 7, 1967 – March 14, 1973

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to First Lieutenant Carl Dennis Chambers (AFSN: 0-3133401), United States Air Force, 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 7 August 1967 to 14 March 1973. His ceaseless efforts, by a continuous showing of resistance to an enemy who ignored all international agreements on treatment of Prisoners of War, in the extremely adverse conditions of the communist prisons of North Vietnam, demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion, and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, he continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great 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:

    August 7, 1967 – March 14, 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 Carl Dennis Chambers (AFSN: 0-3133401), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 7 August 1967 to 14 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.