Gobel James was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on July 15, 1968 and was held until his release on March 14, 1973. Following his release he served in the Colorado National Guard as a member of the internationally famous “Minutemen” jet precision flying team. He retired in 1984 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.
Sponsored by:
Gobel
Dale
James
POW (RVN)
October 11, 1930
–
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Gobel Dale James, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel James culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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 Major Gobel Dale James, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight near Dong Hoi, North Vietnam, on 15 July 1968. On that date, Major James displayed outstanding courage and aggressiveness by entering within range of a known surface-to-air missile complex and supporting anti-aircraft artillery positions. Determined in the face of great danger, and with hostile fire directed against his aircraft, he attacked the site and placed his ordnance directly on target. By his heroism and selfless devotion to duty, Major James reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 1, 1969 – January 18, 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 Major Gobel Dale James, United States Air Force, for outstanding achievement in a position of leadership while detained as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 1 December 1969 to 18 January 1973. This officer performed duties dealing in highly classified material while under constant surveillance of the enemy. He generated new ideas and improvised new techniques which greatly enhanced covert operations. His outstanding performance and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 15, 1968 – March 14, 1973
Major Gobel Dale James, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from July 15, 1968 until his release on March 14, 1973.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 1968 – February 1972
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 Lieutenant Colonel Gobel Dale James, 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 July 1968 to February 1972. 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.