Lieutenant Colonel James Yoshikazu Nagahiro, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 21, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
325th Bombardment SquadronAction Date:
December 20, 1972
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 Lieutenant Colonel James Yoshikazu Nagahiro, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Aircraft Commander with the 325th Bombardment Squadron, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 20 December 1972. On that date, Colonel Nagahiro and his crew led a strike force of B-52 aircraft of the 325th Bombardment Squadron, in action against a vital military target located within one of the most highly-defended areas in Southeast Asia. Despite the awesome reaction encountered, which ultimately hit and brought down the aircraft, Colonel Nagahiro displayed uncommon courage, leadership, and heroism by insuring his force struck the objective with devastating results. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Nagahiro reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 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 Lieutenant Colonel James Yoshikazu Nagahiro, United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 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.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 23, 1979 – November 30, 1982
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 Colonel James Yoshikazu Nagahiro, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief, Commodities Division; Directorate of Contracting and Manufacturing, Sacramento Air Logistics Center, McClellan Air Force Base, California, from 23 June 1979 to 30 November 1982. During this period, the outstanding professional skill, leadership and ceaseless efforts of Colonel Nagahiro resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness and success of Air Force acquisition programs. Utilizing innovative management techniques and superior business judgment, he directed acquisition of communications-electronics systems and supplies in use by operating commands of the United States Forces and allied nations. Major acquisitions that he directed resulted in savings of over $100 million to the United States Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Nagahiro and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.