Col. Fred Cherry Pilot Vietnam POW 7 years and 5 months, AFC, Silver Star SIGNED

Description: This listing is for the following Colonel Fred Cherry (Deceased) Vietnam POW 7 years and 5 months, Recipient of the Air Force Cross (2nd highest military decoration in the Air Force), Silver Star (3rd highest military decoration) autographed 4x6 photograph. Fred Cherry graduated from Virginia Union University in 1951. He entered the Air Force as an enlisted man, then qualified as a pilot and flew 52 combat missions in an F-84G during the Korean War. He flew 50 combat missions during the Vietnam War before he was shot down northeast of Hanoi on October 22, 1965, becoming the first Black officer captured by the North Vietnamese. After his release on February 12, 1973, and subsequent retirement in 1981, he wrote a book titled "Two Souls Indivisible" detailing his captivity and close personal friendship with fellow Prisoner of War Porter Halyburton. Colonel Cherry was commissioned by President Ronald Reagan to serve on the Korean War Veteran's Memorial Advisory Board. He also received the Award for Outstanding Service to the Military Community from the Tuskegee Airmen SIGNED 4x6 PHOTO BIO: Colonel Fred Cherry (Deceased) Air Force Cross (2nd highest military decoration in the Air Force), Korea flew 50 combat sorties over North Korea piloting a F84G, Vietnam Air Force F-105D Pilot POW 7 years, 5 months (89 total months) from Oct 22nd, 1965 to Feb 12th, 1973 at Hanoi Hilton and Zoo. Air Force (2nd highest military decoration in the Air Force), Silver Star (3rd highest military decoration), Legion of Merit, 2 DFC, 2 Bronze Stars (4th highest military decoration), 2 Purple Hearts. If you are not familiar with Colonel Fred Cherry accomplishments during Vietnam please read his Air For Cross Citation: 1st Air For Cross Citation:The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Colonel Fred Vann Cherry (AFSN: 0-2225916/AF-13416845), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 15 August 1967 to 15 November 1967. During this period, Colonel Cherry 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, Colonel Cherry reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. If you are not familiar with Colonel Fred Cherry accomplishments during Vietnam please read his Silver Star Citations: 1st Silver Star Citation:The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Fred Vann Cherry (AFSN: 0-2225916/AF-13416845), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief of the 35th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action over North Vietnam on 22 October 1965. On that date, Major Cherry led a flight of F-105's against a heavily defended Surface-to-Air (SAM) Missile site deep within hostile territory. Leading the way for the others to follow, Major Cherry courageously rolled in for a low level attack in the face of a veritable wall of anti-aircraft fire and dropped his bombs squarely on target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Cherry has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. THIS IS AN AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED 4x6 PHOTOGRAPH. I ONLY SELL AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED MEMORABILIA. I do not sell reprints or facsimile autographs. When you bid on my items you will receive the real deal authentic hand autographed items. You will receive the same signed photograph that is pictured in the scan. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me. PLEASE NOTE this 4x6 photograph was printed and then autographed post war. I combine S&H when multiple items are purchased. I ship items internationally the price for international S&H varies by country. I currently have other rare autographed military and historical signed items available. Please take a look at my other auctions of rare military and historical autographed items.

Price: 99.99 USD

Location: Historical Treasures

End Time: 2025-01-28T23:15:56.000Z

Shipping Cost: 3.5 USD