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 Major Albert Edward Runyan (AFSN: FR-49475), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period June 1969 to September 1969, 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. 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
April 29, 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major Albert Edward Runyan (AFSN: FR-49475), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 29 April 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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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
April 29, 1966 – February 12, 1973
Major Albert Edward Runyan (AFSN: FR-49475), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from April 29, 1966 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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 with Combat “V” to Major Albert Edward Runyan (AFSN: FR-49475), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an RF-101 Reconnaissance Pilot over North Vietnam on 29 April 1966. Against insurmountable hostile air defenses, and in the face of rapidly deteriorating weather in mountainous terrain, Major Runyan continued a penetration deep into hostile territory to obtain vital intelligence information for friendly forces. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Runyan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorAction Date:
January 8, 1966 – April 1, 1966
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 Major Albert Edward Runyan (AFSN: FR-49475), United States Air Force, for meritorious service as a Combat Flight Commander while engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, from 8 January 1966 to 1 April 1966. During this period, while continuously exposed to enemy infiltration, sabotage, and terrorist activities, Major Runyan supervised the implementation of Security, Explosive Safety, and Administration Programs that contributed immeasurably to his squadron’s outstanding record in security and operational effectiveness. Major Runyan’s exemplary leadership in this supervisory capacity aided substantially in maintaining high Squadron morale. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Runyan in t his responsible position reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
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 Colonel Albert Edward Runyan (AFSN: FR-49475), 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.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
April 29, 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 a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major Albert Edward Runyan (AFSN: FR-49475), United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an enemy armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. The North Vietnamese and interrogators and guards kept constant pressure on this officer through harassment, intimidation, and cruelties from which they hoped to gain information and cooperative participation in their propaganda exercises. This individual heroically resisted their treatment in a manner which served as an inspiration to others in the camp and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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 Albert Edward Runyan (AFSN: FR-49475), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over enemy held territory in Korea on 16 January 1952. As pilot of an unarmed RF-80, on a photographic mission, Captain Runyan was escorted by four F-86 aircraft to the heavily defended target area of Sinuiju and Uiju. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire and an attack by enemy aircraft, Captain Runyan resolutely continued his mission until he had completely photographed his assigned target, thereby providing valuable intelligence information to the United Nations forces. Captain Runyan’s exceptional courage and flying ability reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.