Captain Kenneth Robbins Cameron (NSN: 0-554612), United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 18, 1967 until his death in captivity on or about October 4, 1970.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Captain [then Commander]Division:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 18, 1967 – October 4, 1970
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and MedalsThe President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain [then Commander] Kenneth Robbins Cameron (NSN: 0-554612), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 18 May 1967 to 4 October 1970. Under constant pressure from the North Vietnamese in their attempt to gain military information and propaganda material, Captain Cameron experienced severe torture with ropes and by beatings and was kept in solitary confinement. As they persisted in their hostile treatment of him, he continued to resist by feigning sickness and refusing to eat anything but a bare minimum of food. Through those means he was successful in his attempt to keep himself unacceptable in appearance to the North Vietnamese, thus discouraging them from forcing him to meet visiting antiwar delegations for propaganda purposes. He gallantly evaded exploitation by the North Vietnamese throughout his lengthy confinement. By his exceptional courage, determination, and resourcefulness in a most difficult line of resistance, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 18, 1967 – October 4, 1970
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Captain Kenneth Robbins Cameron (NSN: 0-554612), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 18 May 1967 to 4 October 1970. Under the most adverse of conditions, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States and his fellow prisoners. Despite the adversities of confinement, he performed such duties and responsibilities as assigned by superiors and required of the Code of Conduct in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and dedication throughout this period of imprisonment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Captain [then Commander]Batallion:
Attack Squadron 76 (VA-76)Division:
U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31)Action Date:
April 25, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain [then Commander] Kenneth Robbins Cameron (NSN: 0-554612), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 25 April 1967 as a jet attack pilot serving with Attack Squadron SEVENTY-SIX (VA-76), embarked in U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31), during action against enemy forces in North Vietnam. As leader of the second element of ten attack aircraft on a major air wing strike against the important Haiphong Ammunition Depot, Captain Cameron participated in a highly successful bombing attack against one of the most heavily defended areas in North Vietnam. Braving numerous surface-to-air missiles and intense and accurate ground fire, he delivered his bombs with extraordinary accuracy, resulting in the destruction of his assigned target. Captain Cameron then led his group safely out of the target area with not damage from the enemy. His inspiring leadership, personal courage, and superb airmanship contributed greatly to the success of the mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Captain [then Commander]Batallion:
Attack Squadron 76 (VA-76)Division:
U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31)Action Date:
March 12, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Captain [then Commander] Kenneth Robbins Cameron (NSN: 0-554612), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 12 March 1967 as a jet attack pilot serving with Attack Squadron SEVENTY-SIX (VA-76), embarked in U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31), during combat operations in Southeast Asia. As the designated leader of an air wing strike, Captain Cameron planned, coordinated, and led a highly successful bombing attack against the Thanh Hoa Railroad Yards in North Vietnam. He skillfully maneuvered his strike group to avoid the worst of the anti-aircraft fire and, while directing flak-suppression aircraft onto their targets, positioned and led the attack elements in a highly effective dive-bombing attack which inflicted heavy damage to the target. Although subjected to continuous ground fire throughout the approach, attack, and retirement, all aircraft returned undamaged. Captain Cameron’s careful planning, superb aerial skill, aggressive leadership, and flexibility in the face of grave danger assured the success of the mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.