Navy Federal Credit Union

Kenneth Wells was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on December 18, 1971 and was held until his release on March 28, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    December 1971 – March 1973

    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 Kenneth Roth Wells, United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 1971 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.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    December 1971 – 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 Captain Kenneth Roth Wells, United States Air Force, for heroic achievement as a Prisoner of War while engaged in operations against an opposing armed force in North Vietnam during the period December 1971 to March 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 upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    February 1, 1972 – January 15, 1973

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Kenneth Roth Wells, United States Air Force, for outstanding achievement in a position of leadership while detained as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 1 February 1972 to 15 January 1973. This officer performed duties dealing in highly classified material while under constant surveillance of the enemy. He generated new ideas and improvised new techniques which greatly enhanced covert operations. His outstanding performance and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    December 18, 1971 – March 28, 1973

    Captain Kenneth Roth Wells, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 18, 1971 until his release on March 28, 1973.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    December 6, 1971

    Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders G-782 (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 to First Lieutenant Kenneth Roth Wells, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, on 6 December 1971. On that date, Lieutenant Wells participated in a flight of two F-4D tactical fighters against a truck park concentration in Southeast Asia. Even though Lieutenant Wells had limited combat experience, he quickly adapted to the marginal weather conditions and antiaircraft fire. Despite these marginal working conditions, Lieutenant Wells delivered his ordnance with pinpoint accuracy destroying one truck and heavily damaging another. By immobilizing the trucks, the influx of supplies to hostile forces was halted. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Wells reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.