Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Robert
K.
Festa
POW (Korea)

Home:

Hamden

, 

Connecticut

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Airman First Class

    Batallion:

    13th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Bombardment Group

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Korea)

    Action Date:

    August 10, 1952 – September 3, 1953
    NARA Database: Repatriated Korean Conflict Prisoners of War, 7/5/1950 – 10/6/1954

    Airman First Class Robert K. Festa (AFSN: 0-11217133), United States Air Force, was captured by communist forces after he was shot down over North Korea on 10 August 1952, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his release on 3 September 1953, during Operation Big Switch at the end of the war.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Airman First Class

    Batallion:

    13th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Bombardment Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 8, 1952
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 619 (October 10, 1952)

    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 Airman First Class Robert K. Festa (AFSN: 0-11217133), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 13th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bombardment Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action over North Korea on 8 June 1952. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.