Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    37th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    17th Bombardment Wing

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Korea)

    Action Date:

    June 7, 1952 – September 10, 1953

    NARA Database: Repatriated Korean Conflict Prisoners of War, 7/5/1950 – 10/6/1954

    First Lieutenant Bobby Elliott Hammett (AFSN: 0-2222293), United States Air Force, was captured by communist forces after he was shot down over North Korea on 7 June 1952, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his release on 10 September 1953, during Operation Big Switch at the end of the war.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    17th Bombardment Wing

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 7, 1952

    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, Special Orders G-118 (February 15, 1953)

    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 Bobby Elliott Hammett (AFSN: 0-2222293), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over enemy-held North Korea on 7 June 1952. Flying as Navigator-Bombardier of a B-26 type aircraft, 17th bombardment Wing (Light), FIFTH Air Force, engaged in a night interdiction mission, Lieutenant Hammett displayed outstanding airmanship and gallantry. Flying near the town of Samdung, Korea, Lieutenant Hammett sighted a large convoy of enemy vehicles, and, despite the heavy concentration of enemy fire concentrated his efforts to destroy the convoy. Midway in this attack, his aircraft was struck by flak, one engine being rendered inoperative and the other partially disabled. Displaying unusual coolness, Lieutenant Hammett continued his preparations to carry out the attack until ordered to abandon the aircraft. By his high personal courage, outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Hammett reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.