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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain Lawrence Vincent Bach, Jr. (AFSN: 0-16589), United States Air Force, for meritorious service to the United States from 22 December 1950 to 1 September 1953 while a prisoner of war in North Korea. Although subject to extreme privation, meager rations, forced marches, incessant interrogations, brutal beatings, sadistic torture, long periods of solitary confinement and threatened execution, Captain Bach, by his indomitable courage and resolute resistance completely defeated any attempt of the North Koreans and Chinese Communists to obtain security information they desired. His exemplary conduct and unequivocal conviction that the forces of freedom would ultimately prevail over an enemy ruthlessly avowed to destroy the independence of mankind, encouraged and inspired other prisoners to resist the insidious demands of their captors. By his outstanding leadership, heroic self-sacrifice and ceaseless opposition to the North Koreans and Chinese Communists, Captain Bach has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Korea)

    Action Date:

    December 22, 1950 – September 4, 1953
    NARA Database: Repatriated Korean Conflict Prisoners of War, 7/5/1950 – 10/6/1954

    Captain Lawrence Vincent Bach, Jr. (AFSN: 0-16589), United States Air Force, was captured by communist forces after he was shot down over North Korea on 22 December 1950, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his release on 4 September 1953, during Operation Big Switch at the end of the war.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    37th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    14th Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    February 8, 1945
    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 1692 (March 23, 1945)

    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 (Air Corps) Lawrence Vincent Bach, Jr. (AFSN: 0-16589), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a Pilot in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (Austria, 8 February 1945). Throughout many combat missions against highly important and strategic enemy installations, First Lieutenant Bach has demonstrated the highest order of professional skill, heroism, leadership and devotion to duty. Despite heavy enemy opposition encountered on these long and hazardous combat missions, together with severe and adverse weather conditions, his outstanding leadership, personal example and tactical skill have contributed materially to the defeat of the armed forces of the enemy. His conspicuous and extraordinary achievements throughout these many missions against the enemy have been of inestimable value to the success of combat operations and have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.