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 Captain David Burnett Hatcher (AFSN: AD-14519547), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 pilot in Southeast Asia on 25 April 1966 and 26 April 1966. On these dates, Captain Hatcher flew two night, single aircraft, low level, radar bombing missions on a special experimental project over unusually hostile territory. With outstanding courage Captain Hatcher navigated on instruments and radar through numerous exploding anti-aircraft fire and delivered his ordnance on the target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hatcher reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 30, 1966 – 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 David Burnett Hatcher (AFSN: AD-14519547), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 30 May 1966 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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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 1 – 8, 1966
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 David Burnett Hatcher (AFSN: AD-14519547), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 1 June 1966 to 8 June 1966. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. This individual 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:
May 30, 1966 – February 12, 1973
Lieutenant Colonel David Burnett Hatcher (AFSN: AD-14519547), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 30, 1966 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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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 Lieutenant Colonel David Burnett Hatcher (AFSN: AD-14519547), 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 Lieutenant Colonel Hatcher and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-355 (May 2, 1966)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain David Burnett Hatcher (AFSN: AD-14519547), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a F-105 Pilot in Southeast Asia on 7 February 1966. On that date, Captain Hatcher, despite intense and accurate ground fire, strafed and destroyed six hostile anti-aircraft gun positions that were firing on his flight. Further attacks resulted in the sinking of two barges and the damage of a military docking area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hatcher reflect 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 David Burnett Hatcher (AFSN: AD-14519547), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving 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.