The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain James Howie Warner (MCSN: 0-92816), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services while interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from October 1967 to March 1973. Under extremely adverse circumstances, Captain Warner remained indomitable and persevering. For more than five years of captivity, he resisted attempts to compromise his strong adherence to the Code of Conduct despite savage beatings, torture, and continuous interrogations. Captain Warner’s unceasing efforts to support a viable system of communications among prisoners of war, despite an environment of constant physical and psychological intimidation, enabled him to give great assistance to other prisoners. He reinforced their determination and inspired their resolution to continue their resistance. Captain Warner’s inspiring leadership, courageous stamina, and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Warner is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 13, 1967 – March 14, 1973
Captain James Howie Warner (MCSN: 0-92816), United States Marine Corps, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 13, 1967 until his release on March 14, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 1969 – March 1971
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 Captain James Howie Warner (MCSN: 0-92816), United States Marine Corps, for meritorious achievement while interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from November 1969 to March 1971. During this period, although under constant surveillance and pressure from his captors, Captain Warner performed duties involving highly classified material in an exemplary and professional manner. Through his zealousness and ingenuity, he generated new ideas and improvised techniques greatly enhancing covert operations. Although he was in an extremely hostile environment, he never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States and his fellow prisoners. By his tenacious dedication, inspiring courage, and exceptional skill, Captain Warner reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Warner is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of WarAction Date:
October 1967 – June 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain James Howie Warner (MCSN: 0-92816), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from October 1967 to June 1969. Despite maltreatment and severe torture, Captain Warner distinguished himself by his relentless rejection of any of his captors’ efforts to subjugate him or gain his cooperation. During the Spring of 1969 as the intensity of the enemy’s cruelty increase, so also did his determination and spirit. By his steadfast refusal to cooperate with his captors, he provided his fellow prisoners with a personal example, giving them the strength to solidify and intensify their resistance to the maltreatment at the hands of the enemy. Risking his own personal safety in order to provide leadership for his fellow prisoners, Captain Warner exemplified courage and resolve which further attests to his loyalty, professionalism, and dedication to the United States. Through his high standard of devotion to duty, Captain Warner reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 1968 – January 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain James Howie Warner (MCSN: 0-92816), United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement while interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from July 1968 to January 1973. In an atmosphere of enemy harassment and threat of torture, Captain Warner was instrumental in establishing and maintaining an effective intra-camp communications system. Such a system contributed to the solidarity of the prisoners organization and assisted in the effectiveness of the resistance effort. By working with this communications system, Captain Warner played a large role in the frustration of his captors’ efforts to attain a dominance over the prisoners or gain their cooperation. Further, as attested to by his being chosen by a group of his fellow prisoners to participate in a highly classified clandestine communications system, Captain Warner furnished information which was of critical importance to his fellow POW’s, in spite of the constant danger of harsh repercussions. By an exceptional display of courage, leadership, and technical skill, Captain Warner reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service. (Captain Warner is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)