Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
James
Hardy
Hestand
POW (RVN)
July 20, 1949

–

James Hestand was interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia after he was shot down over Cambodia on March 17, 1971 and was held until his release on February 12, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer One (WO-1)

    Batallion:

    128th Aviation Company

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Warrant Officer One (WO-1) James Hardy Hestand, United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a UH-1 helicopter pilot with the 128th Aviation Company, in action against the enemy in Southeast Asia in 1971. His outstanding courage and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer One (WO-1)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Cambodia)

    Action Date:

    March 17, 1971 – February 12, 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 to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) James Hardy Hestand, United States Army, for meritorious achievement in action against an armed enemy of the United States while detained as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia during the period 17 March 1971 to 12 February 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 Southeast Asia demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, this American continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer One (WO-1)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Cambodia)

    Action Date:

    March 17, 1971 – February 12, 1973

    Warrant Officer One (WO-1) James Hardy Hestand, United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from March 17, 1971 until his release on February 12, 1973.