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 Captain Thomas William Sima (AFSN: FV-3038065), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 pilot over North Vietnam, on 15 October 1965. On that date, Captain Sima flew his heavily armed aircraft into hostile territory which was obscured by low clouds. Flying at tree top level and through mountain valleys he sought out his target. Upon arriving in the target area Captain Sima braved a withering wall of hostile anti-aircraft fire in an effort to deliver his bombs and destroy the designated target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Sima reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
October 15, 1965 – February 12, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas William Sima (AFSN: FV-3038065), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force from 15 October 1965 to 12 February 1973, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. Captain Abbott resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 15, 1965 – February 12, 1973
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas William Sima (AFSN: FV-3038065), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 15, 1965 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 15, 1965 – February 12, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas William Sima (AFSN: FV-3038065), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 15 October 1965 to 12 February 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas William Sima (AFSN: FV-3038065), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. His ceaseless efforts, by a continuous showing of resistance to an enemy who ignored all international agreements on treatment of Prisoners of War, in the extremely adverse conditions of the communist prisons of North Vietnam, demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion, and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, he continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas William Sima (AFSN: FV-3038065), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot with the 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron and subsequently as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 1965 to 1973. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Air Force.