This officer distinguished himself by gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period of 5 October 1967 through 29 May 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.