Earl Glenn Cobeil

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Earl Glenn Cobeil (FR-61453A), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 5 November 1970 until his death while still in captivity on or about 5 November 1970. During this period, Lieutenant Colonel Cobeil demonstrated his extremely strong personal fortitude and maximum persistence in the face of severe enemy harassment and torture, suffering critical injuries and wounds. Through his extraordinary heroism and willpower, in the face of the enemy, Lieutenant Colonel Cobeil reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. (At the time he was shot down on 5 November 1971, Lieutenant Colonel Cobeil was serving as Electronic Warfare Officer of an F-105 aircraft of the 333d Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, SEVENTH Air Force.)