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Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Vietnam War - U.S. Navy

James Bond Stockdale

Details
  • Rank: Rear Admiral (rank at time of action: Captain; highest rank: Vice Admiral)
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Attack Carrier Air Wing 16,
    U.S.S. Oriskany
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: September 4, 1969
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Hoa Lo Prison, Hanoi, North Vietnam
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while senior naval officer in the prisoner-of-war camps of North Vietnam. Recognized by his captors as the leader in the prisoners' of war resistance to interrogation and in their refusal to participate in propaganda exploitation, Rear Adm. Stockdale was singled out for interrogation and attendant torture after he was detected in a covert communications attempt. Sensing the start of another purge, and aware that his earlier efforts at self-disfiguration to dissuade his captors from exploiting him for propaganda purposes had resulted in cruel and agonizing punishment, Rear Adm. Stockdale resolved to make himself a symbol of resistance regardless of personal sacrifice. He deliberately inflicted a near-mortal wound to his person in order to convince his captors of his willingness to give up his life rather than capitulate. He was subsequently discovered and revived by the North Vietnamese who, convinced of his indomitable spirit, abated in their employment of excessive harassment and torture toward all the prisoners of war. By his heroic actions, at great peril to himself, he earned the everlasting gratitude of his fellow prisoners and of his country. Rear Adm. Stockdale's valiant leadership and extraordinary courage in a hostile environment sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Abingdon, Knox County, Illinois
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: March 6, 1976

    The White House, presented by Pres. Gerald R. Ford

  • Born: December 23, 1923, Abingdon, Knox County, IL, United States
  • Died: July 5, 2005, Coronado, CA, United States
  • Buried: U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery, Annapolis, MD, United States
 
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