Arthur Cormier

The President of the United States takes Pleasure in presenting an Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Silver Star Medal to Arthur Cormier, First Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the above period 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.

The President of the United States takes Pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Arthur Cormier, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Pararescue Technician aboard a rescue helicopter over North Vietnam on 6 November 1965. On that date, Sergeant Cormier voluntarily participated in a mission to recover a USAF pilot shot down over a hostile area known to contain numerous concentrations of antiaircraft batteries which would endanger any rescue efforts. As his unarmed aircraft approached the recovery area, it encountered heavy ground fire and burst into flames, forcing the crew to bail out. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Cormier has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.