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Navy Federal Credit Union
Artice
Weldon
Elliott
POW (RVN)
1929

–

November 9, 2012

Cemetery:

Evergreen Cemetery

Artice Elliott was interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia after he was captured in South Vietnam on April 26, 1970, and was held until his release on March 27, 1973. He retired in 1980 as a U.S. Army Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major]

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    42d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    Army of the Republic of Vietnam

    Action Date:

    April 21 – 26, 1970
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 30 (September 18, 1973), Amended by G.O. 44 (December 6, 1973)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] Artice Weldon Elliott (ASN: 0-998993), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action from 21 April 1970 to 26 April 1970, while serving as Senior Advisor, 3d Battalion, 42d Infantry Regiment, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. During this period the 3d Battalion was engaged in combat with elements of the 28th North Vietnamese Army Regiment in the vicinity of Dak Seang Special Forces Camp. Despite heavy direct and indirect fire weapons barrages at the onset of each attack, he would move to a position where he could direct air strikes, gunships, and artillery strikes, disregarding his own safety. He continued to expose himself, on numerous occasions taking the enemy under fire with his own rifle and hand grenades. With all of the advisory team either dead or wounded he assumed an even greater share of the advisory effort, moving about the position advising the Vietnamese Battalion Commander, comforting the wounded, and inspiring the soldiers by his courage and stamina. As the situation became more desperate he took command of the unit and planned an executed breakthrough of the enemy encirclement, staying behind to inspire an orderly withdrawal. He was last seen firing his weapon in an attempt to hold off the enemy so the others could escape. Lieutenant Colonel Elliott’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    April 26, 1970 – March 27, 1973

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Artice Weldon Elliott (ASN: 0-998993), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from April 26, 1970 until his release on March 27, 1973.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (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 Artice Weldon Elliott (ASN: 0-998993), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Elliott culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    July 1966 – August 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 (Infantry) Artice Weldon Elliott (ASN: 0-998993), United States Army, for outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam during the period July 1966 to August 1967. Through his untiring efforts and professional ability, he consistently obtained outstanding results. He was quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he was faced as a result of the ever changing situations inherent in a counterinsurgency operation and to find ways and means to solve those problems. The energetic application of his extensive knowledge has materially contributed to the efforts of the United States mission to the Republic of Vietnam to assist that country in ridding itself of the communist threat to its freedom. His initiative, zeal, sound judgment and devotion to duty have been in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit on him and the Military Service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    April 26, 1970 – March 27, 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 to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Artice Weldon Elliott (ASN: 0-998993), United States Army, for meritorious achievement in action against an armed enemy of the United States while detained as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia during the period 26 April 1970 to 27 March 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 Southeast Asia demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, this American continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.