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 Captain John Stanley Murphy, Jr. (AFSN: 0-3162593/25917224), United States Air Force, for meritorious service as Commander, Strike Leader Division, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, while engaged in support of air operations against an opposing armed force at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, from 10 November 1971 to 1 June 1972. During that period, Captain Murphy, as leader of the Wing’s Forward Air Controllers when their area of responsibility was changed from Southern Laos to North Vietnam, accurately and extensively reviewed known hostile defenses and lines of communications to devise new tactics that would enhance both his own chances of survivability and that of the strike flights he was to employ. Captain Murphy revised the F-4E Forward Air Controllers methods of centralizing and visually depicting the most current intelligence so that his crews could, in a glance, be prepared to operate in a particular area. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Murphy in this responsible position reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain John Stanley Murphy, Jr. (AFSN: 0-3162593/25917224), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. 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.