The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Theodore Wallace Triebel (NSN: 0-678686/1310), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a jet aircraft attacked to Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VF-213), embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63) while conducting a major strike on the North Vietnamese fighter base at Kep, North Vietnam on 24 April 1967. As a wingman in a five-plane F-4 strike element, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Triebel penetrated 85 miles into hostile territory to the target, opposed by numerous active surface-to-air missiles and extremely accurate and intense anti-aircraft fire of all calibers. Skillfully maneuvering his aircraft to evade missiles and anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Triebel maintained his station in the flight and positioned himself for his dive bombing run. As he neared the top of his run his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and his vigorous evasive maneuver put him in a poor dive entry position. Displaying exceptional presence and determination, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Triebel made a 360 degree turn in the midst of the barrage in order to reposition himself, and then executed a perfect attack, delivering a smothering pattern of fragmentation bomblets over the revetted aircraft parking areas and apron northeast of the runway, destroying aircraft and ground support equipment parked there. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Triebel’s professional skill and courageous tenacity in the face of grave personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Theodore Wallace Triebel (NSN: 0-678686/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, from June 1992 to August 1993. Captain Triebel’s tour was marked by inspired leadership and adroit management. Under his innovative direction and through his unparalleled ability to organize and execute multiple, complex tasks flawlessly, the mission and role of the newly formed Chief of Staff organization was solidified, resulting in significant improvements in the quality of services and support provided to Naval Academy Complex activities. Inspired by his leadership and management acumen, each of Captain Triebel’s five cost centers operated successfully within extremely tight fiscal constraints while continuing to implement innovative solutions to existing and emergent problems. Captain Triebel’s astute professionalism, personal initiative, and loyal dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 27, 1972 – March 29, 1973
Lieutenant Commander Theodore Wallace Triebel (NSN: 0-678686/1310), United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from August 27, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 1972 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Theodore Wallace Triebel (NSN: 0-678686/1310), United States Navy, for meritorious service as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 1972 to March 1973. Through his ceaseless efforts, in an atmosphere of enemy harassment, threat of torture and brutal treatment, he established and maintained intracamp communications. At great risk and in spite of further cruelty, he continued to devise many unusual and ingenious methods of communications, resulting in American and Allied prisoners resisting the enemy’s demands and at the same time improving the prisoners’ morale. By his heroic endeavors, exceptional skill, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Theodore Wallace Triebel (NSN: 0-678686/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory from September 1986 to July 1987. An extremely competent and resourceful leader, Captain Triebel guided Diego Garcia from an era of construction to full operational status, providing unparalleled operational and logistic support to transiting battle groups and other United States Forces, and contributing directly to increased combat readiness in the Indian Ocean. He ensured the highest levels of service through astute management of the Navy’s largest overseas Base Operating Support contract, providing support to over 24 Navy, Marine and Air Force Tenant activities. Captain Triebel made a substantial and lasting contribution through his superior planning skills, sensitivity to United States/United Kingdom political-military issues, and total dedication to every area of his responsibilities. By his astute leadership, technical judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, Captain Triebel reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 1972 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Theodore Wallace Triebel (NSN: 0-678686/1310), United States Navy, 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 August 1972 to March 1973. By his diligent efforts, exceptional leadership, devotion and loyalty to the United States, and under the most adverse of conditions, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States. While in daily contact with the North Vietnamese guards and officers, he performed duties in staff positions, maintaining good order and discipline among the prisoners. Under constant harassment from their captors, and due to the frustrations of the prisoners during their long internment, many difficult situations arose, requiring perseverance, endurance and ingenuity. Using his extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and sound judgment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. (Lieutenant Commander Baldock is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)