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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 Captain Jerome Donald Heeren (AFSN: FR-3230595), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Weapon Systems Officer over Southeast Asia on 22 April 1971. On that date, Captain Heeren attacked a hostile storage area where helicopters were known to be operating. Despite intense automatic weapons fire and poor weather conditions, Captain Heeren delivered his ordnance on target destroying numerous supplies and a helicopter. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Heeren reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    September 11, 1972 – March 29, 1973

    Captain Jerome Donald Heeren (AFSN: FR-3230595), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 11, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    September 1972 – March 1973

    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 Jerome Donald Heeren (AFSN: FR-3230595), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 1972 to 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    September 10, 1971
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1565 (1972)

    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 Captain Jerome Donald Heeren (AFSN: FR-3230595), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Weapon Systems Operator near Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, on 10 September 1971. On that date, Captain Heeren scrambled to provide close air support for a unit of the Republic of Vietnam Army which had actively engaged a large hostile force. Despite accurate and heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire, Captain Heeren delivered his ordnance in twelve passes on the target area and allowed the friendly forces to gain the initiative. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Heeren reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.