As a P-51 Mustang pilot in World War II, Hervey Stockman flew 68 combat missions and was credited with destroying 2 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. In the Cold War Era of the 1950s he became one of the six original U-2 pilots, flying clandestine CIA missions over the Soviet Union between 1956 and February 1958, including the very first mission over the USSR on July 4, 1956. During the Vietnam War he was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on June 11, 1967, and was held until his release on March 4, 1973.
Sponsored by:
Hervey
Studdiford
Stockman
POW (RVN)
February 24, 1922
–
February 22, 2011
Born:
Englewood
,
New Jersey
Home:
Andover
,
New Jersey
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Legion of Merit
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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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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
390th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
DaNang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
June 11, 1967
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 Hervey Studdiford Stockman (AFSN: AO-691195/FR-50436), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F4C Aircraft Commander of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action over Southeast Asia, on 11 June 1967. On that date, Colonel Stockman successfully protected five flights of F-105 aircraft from hostile attack while they were delivering ordnance on an important military target in this dangerous and highly defended area. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Stockman has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 11, 1967
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 Colonel Hervey Studdiford Stockman (AFSN: AO-691195/FR-50436), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 11 June 1967, 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. Colonel Stockman 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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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 11, 1967 – March 4, 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Colonel Hervey Studdiford Stockman (AFSN: AO-691195/FR-50436), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 11 June 1967 to 4 March 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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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 11, 1967 – March 4, 1973
Colonel Hervey Studdiford Stockman (AFSN: AO-691195/FR-50436), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from June 11, 1967 until his release on March 4, 1973.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 1967 – February 1973
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 Colonel Hervey Studdiford Stockman (AFSN: AO-691195/FR-50436), 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 from June 1967 to February 1973. 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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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Hervey Studdiford Stockman (AFSN: AO-691195/FR-50436), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Stockman culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
CaptainBatallion:
504th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
339th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air Force
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Hervey Studdiford Stockman (AFSN: AO-691195/FR-50436), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter airplane in the 504th Fighter Squadron, 339th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. His outstanding courage and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorAction Date:
January 21, 1956 – January 31, 1958
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Hervey Studdiford Stockman (AFSN: AO-691195/FR-50436), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 21 January 1956 to 31 January 1958. During this period, Major Stockman performed, under exceptional conditions, flights which were of great importance to the United States Air Force. The initiative, technical ability and devotion to duty displayed by Major Stockman reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
390th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Da Nang Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
December 26, 1966 – June 11, 1967
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Hervey Studdiford Stockman (AFSN: AO-691195/FR-50436), United States Air Force, for meritorious service as Chief, Tactical Unit Operations Center, 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, Commander, 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam from 26 December 1966 to 11 June 1967. During this period, while exposed to danger from hostile forces, Colonel Stockman consistently demonstrated professional ability, sound judgment, and great enthusiasm in overcoming the many involved problems associated with his duties. His superb performance and signal contributions assisted materially in the success of the United States’ effort in Southeast Asia. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Stockman in this responsible position reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.