The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Stephen Glen Long (AFSN: FV-3208121), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller of the 23d 23d Tactical Tactical Air Support Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in Southeast Asia on 19 February 1969. On that date, while piloting an unarmed O-2A Observation Aircraft, Lieutenant Long directed a series of five air strikes against a hostile petroleum storage area. Flying in a heavily defended area, he pressed the attack, despite intense antiaircraft fire, until he stretched his fuel to the limit and darkness fell. As a direct result of his efforts, a large stockpile of petroleum products were destroyed. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Long reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (Laos)Action Date:
August 1969 – December 1972
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 Stephen Glen Long (AFSN: FV-3208121), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement during the period August 1969 to December 1972, while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Demonstrating professional competence and unusual ingenuity under the most adverse conditions, Captain Long effectively established a communication system within his prison that was a vital part of the resistance program to every attempt by the Communist captors to break down morale and the unified resistance of all American prisoners. This singular distinctive accomplishment of Captain Long reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
23d Tactical Tactical Air Support SquadronDivision:
Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
February 20, 1969
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 First Lieutenant Stephen Glen Long (AFSN: FV-3208121), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller of the 23d 23d Tactical Tactical Air Support Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in Southeast Asia on 20 February 1969. On that date, while piloting an unarmed O-2A Observation Aircraft, Lieutenant Long directed a pair of fighter/bomber aircraft against a hostile logistics network for the purpose of completing a higher headquarters directed mission. Despite flying into a high threat area of anti-aircraft defenses, in mountainous terrain, and in adverse weather, he pressed the attack to successfully accomplish this vital intelligence gathering mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Long reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
February 28, 1969 – July 7, 1971
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 Captain Stephen Glen Long (AFSN: FV-3208121), 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 28 February 1968 to 7 July 1971. 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.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (Laos)Action Date:
February 28, 1969 – March 28, 1973
Captain Stephen Glen Long (AFSN: FV-3208121), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from February 28, 1969 until his release on March 28, 1973.