Captain Kenneth W. Cordier distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4C Pilot in Southeast Asia on 11 November 1966.

On that date, Captain Cordier was the Mission Commander leading a flight against a target in North Vietnam. His first pass in the target area drew heavy hostile reaction and his wingmen were downed on their initial passes. Completely disregarding his own personal safety, Captain Cordier immediately initiated rescue procedures and delivered his remaining ordnance on the nearby target. Captain Cordier then remained in the area to provide assistance to inbound recue aircraft until his low fuel state dictated his departure from the area. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Cordier has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

About three weeks later, on December 2, 1966, while flying his 176th combat mission Cordier was forced to eject over North Vietnam after his F-4 took a direct hit from a surface-to-air missile and spent the next 2,284 days as a Prisoner of War before being released during Operation Homecoming on March 4, 1973.

Among his numerous awards are an additional Silver Star, a Distinguished Flying Cross, 2 Bronze Stars with “V” device, 7 Air Medals with “V” device and an Air Force Commendation Medal with “V” device.

Ken Cordier retired as a Colonel in 1985 and passed away in 2024. He had a distinguished career as an advocate for POWs. He was born in Canton and entered the service from Akron, Ohio.