For gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military action against an opposing armed force during 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. Captain Mechenbier resisted their demands by calling on his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.