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Navy Federal Credit Union

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Wrenne Sumpter, Jr. (AFSN: AD-14470217), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from January 14, 1968 until his release on March 14, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    January 1968 – December 1969
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-1019 (September 13, 1974)

    (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 Wrenne Sumpter, Jr. (AFSN: AD-14470217), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from January 1968 to December 1969. 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Batallion:

    41st Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron

    Division:

    Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-758 (March 9, 1968)

    (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 Colonel Thomas Wrenne Sumpter, Jr. (AFSN: AD-14470217), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an Electronic Warfare Officer of an EB-66C aircraft in the 41st Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, In action against the enemy over Southeast Asia in 1967. 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    January 1968 – January 1971
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-1019 (September 13, 1974)

    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 Wrenne Sumpter, Jr. (AFSN: AD-14470217), 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 January 1968 to January 1971. 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.