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 Mark John Ruhling, United States Air Force, for heroic achievement as a Prisoner of War while engaged in operations against an opposing armed force in North Vietnam from May 1972 to January 1973. In an atmosphere of enemy harassment and brutal treatment, he continued to establish and maintain communications through unusual and ingenious methods, which resulted in American and Allied prisoners presenting a posture of increased resistance to the enemy’s wishes, and, at the same time, improving prisoner morale. By his heroic endeavors and devotion to duty under adverse conditions of his environment, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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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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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-93 (1968)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 Captain Mark John Ruhling, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4G navigator over North Vietnam on 13 August 1968. On that date, Captain Ruhling’s skill and persistence were paramount in obtaining the assigned military objective in the presence of hostile action. To successfully accomplish the objective, this aviator subjected himself to continuous deadly anti-aircraft, missile, and MiG threats through the most heavily defended area of North Vietnam. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Ruhling reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 1968 – November 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 Major Mark John Ruhling, 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 November 1968 to November 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 (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 23, 1968 – March 14, 1973
Captain Mark John Ruhling, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from November 23, 1968 until his release on March 14, 1973.