Chain of Command
After more than 25 years service in the U.S. Navy, Commander Pendell became a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Air Force Civil Air Patrol.
Other Memories
Commander PENDELL reported to Fleet Aviation Specialized Operational Training Group, Pacific Fleet on 19 August 1974 and served as the Executive Officer. He retired July 1, 1977.
Chain of Command
In June 1968 he was transferred to Staff of Commander Fleet Air Mediterranean at Naples, Italy and served as Operations Officer until July 1971 when he reported to Naval Aerospace Recovery Facility, El Centro, California, as Executive Officer.
Other Memories
In June 1968 he was transferred to Staff of Commander Fleet Air Mediterranean at Naples, Italy and served as Operations Officer until July 1971 when he reported to Naval Aerospace Recovery Facility, El Centro, California, as Executive Officer.
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Comments Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Se... Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievem... The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service (but not of sufficient nature to warrant a higher decoration). MoreHide
Comments Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Se... Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Description Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Se... Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Description In July 1964 until May 1966 he was assigned to Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet Staff where he held down the airdesk in Current Operations until transferred to NAS Sangley Point, Republic of Phillipi... In July 1964 until May 1966 he was assigned to Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet Staff where he held down the airdesk in Current Operations until transferred to NAS Sangley Point, Republic of Phillipine Islands. While on this assignment, he flew logistic flights in support of Navy units in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Description Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Se... Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. MoreHide
Other Memories
In July 1964 until May 1966 he was assigned to Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet Staff where he held down the airdesk in Current Operations until transferred to NAS Sangley Point, Republic of Philippines. While on this assignment, he flew logistic flights in support of Navy units in Vietnam.
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Description In July 1964 until May 1966 he was assigned to Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet Staff where he held down the airdesk in Current Operations until transferred to NAS Sangley Point, Republic of Phillipi... In July 1964 until May 1966 he was assigned to Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet Staff where he held down the airdesk in Current Operations until transferred to NAS Sangley Point, Republic of Phillipine Islands. While on this assignment, he flew logistic flights in support of Navy units in Vietnam. MoreHide
Description This campaign period was from 15 March 1962 to 7 March 1965. In the early days of the U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Sailors worked with the developing Vietnamese Navy as advisors, helping them with sucThis campaign period was from 15 March 1962 to 7 March 1965. In the early days of the U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Sailors worked with the developing Vietnamese Navy as advisors, helping them with such things as logistical support, vessel construction techniques, and so forth. As the Communist insurgency increased, the Americans became more and more involved in combat operations.
The average American naval advisor was dedicated to preparing the Vietnamese Navy to some day stand alone against the Communist foe. Often assigned to vessels or bases lacking even basic amenities, the advisor also shared the risks of combat with his hosts. His task was a heavy one. Not empowered to give orders, he could only hope to persuade his Vietnamese counterpart that a particular course of action was warranted. That advice often was ignored. Aside from the natural difficulty of getting others to accept counsel, the naval advisor was often hampered by the language barrier and differences in cultures, educational levels, and personalities that separated him from his counterpart. Furthermore, the one-year tour completed by most advisors did not allow them enough time to learn the job and bring about meaningful change. Despite all this, the Naval Advisory Group helped improve the Vietnamese naval service in important respects.
During this phase, The first significant U.S. naval engagement of the war was the famous Tonkin Gulf incident of 1964. On the afternoon of 2 August, three North Vietnamese motor torpedo boats attacked the destroyer Maddox in the Gulf of Tonkin with gunfire and torpedoes. On the night of 4 August, Maddox and another destroyer, Turner Joy, reported fighting a running battle with hostile patrol craft in the middle of the gulf. Communications intercepts and other relevant information convinced Washington that an attack had taken place. At President Lyndon B. Johnson's direction, on 5 August navy carrier forces bombed North Vietnam. Two days later, the U.S. Congress overwhelmingly passed the Tonkin Gulf Resolution, which Johnson thereafter used to wage war in Vietnam. A sustained bombing campaign of the North (dubbed "Rolling Thunder") began on 2 March 1965. ... More
Memories In July 1964 until May 1966 he was assigned to Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet Staff where he heldIn July 1964 until May 1966 he was assigned to Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet Staff where he held down the airdesk in Current Operations until transferred to NAS Sangley Point, Republic of Phillipine Islands. While on this assignment, he flew logistic flights in support of Navy units in Vietnam.... More
Other Memories
Commander PENDELL served as a flight instructor and head of ground school for multi-engine training group at NAF Milton, Florida from 1959 to 1962 until his transfer to USS Valcour (AVP-55). As Navigator and Air Officer, he participated in two deployments to the Persian Gulf involving three transits of the Suez Canal.
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Description Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Se... Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Description Commander PENDELL served as a flight instructor and head of ground school for multi-engine training group at NAF Milton, Florida from 1959 to 1962 until his transfer to USS Valcour (AVP-55). As Naviga... Commander PENDELL served as a flight instructor and head of ground school for multi-engine training group at NAF Milton, Florida from 1959 to 1962 until his transfer to USS Valcour (AVP-55). As Navigator and Air Officer, he participated in two deployments to the Persian Gulf involving three transits of the Suez Canal. MoreHide
Other Memories
Commander PENDELL served as a flight instructor and head of ground school for multi-engine training group at NAF Milton, Florida from 1959 to 1962 until his transfer to USS Valcour (AVP-55). As Navigator and Air Officer, he participated in two deployments to the Persian Gulf involving three transits of the Suez Canal.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Description Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Se... Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Description Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Se... Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Description Commander PENDELL served as a flight instructor and head of ground school for multi-engine training group at NAF Milton, Florida from 1959 to 1962 until his transfer to USS Valcour (AVP-55). As Naviga... Commander PENDELL served as a flight instructor and head of ground school for multi-engine training group at NAF Milton, Florida from 1959 to 1962 until his transfer to USS Valcour (AVP-55). As Navigator and Air Officer, he participated in two deployments to the Persian Gulf involving three transits of the Suez Canal. MoreHide
Other Memories
His first squadron assignment was VP-22 home ported in Hawaii. His next squadron was VP-4 home ported at NAF Naha, Okinawa flying P2V-5F Neptunes 1957-1959. Commander PENDELL participated in Taiwan Straits patrols.
Other Memories
His first squadron assignment was VP-22 home ported in Hawaii. His next squadron was VP-4 home ported at NAF Naha, Okinawa flying P2V-5F Neptunes 1957-1959. Commander PENDELL participated in Taiwan Straits patrols.
Criteria
The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is a military unit award issued by the government of South Korea to both South Korean and foreign military units.
Description Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Se... Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. MoreHide
Criteria The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United... The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United Nations. Service in qualifying organizations had to be certified by the United Nations Commander-in-Chief as having directly supported military operations in Korea. In the case of the United States, such certification was issued in General Orders 31 (June 20, 1955); General Orders 33 (July 11, 1955); and General Orders 36 (July 13, 1955). MoreHide
Description Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Se... Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. MoreHide
Description Third Korean Winter, 1 December 1952 - 30 April 1953. Meanwhile the armistice talks had stalled. Discord over several issues, but principally the exchange of prisoners of war, had prevented any agreemThird Korean Winter, 1 December 1952 - 30 April 1953. Meanwhile the armistice talks had stalled. Discord over several issues, but principally the exchange of prisoners of war, had prevented any agreement in the latter part of 1951. This disagreement was heightened in January 1952. The U.N. delegates proposed to give captives a choice of repatriation, so that those who did not wish to return to Communist control could be repatriated elsewhere. The enemy delegates protested vigorously, insisting that all captives held by the Eighth Army be returned to their side. When the enemy failed to respond to U.N. efforts to settle the question, the U.N. delegation on 7 October called an indefinite recess in the armistice negotiations. Both military operations and armistice talks remained stalemated and, as the year 1952 ended, peace prospects seemed as remote as at its beginning.... More
Memories His first assignment was aboard the USS Hopewell (DD681), making two deployments to Korea. In DecembHis first assignment was aboard the USS Hopewell (DD681), making two deployments to Korea. In December 1952 Commander PENDELL was assigned to flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator on December 22, 1953. His first squadron assignment was VP-22 home ported in Hawaii.... More
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Description Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Se... Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. MoreHide
Description As 1951 drew to a close, a lull had settled over the battlefield. Fighting tapered off to a routine of patrol clashes, raids, and bitter small-unit struggles for key outpost positions. The lull resultAs 1951 drew to a close, a lull had settled over the battlefield. Fighting tapered off to a routine of patrol clashes, raids, and bitter small-unit struggles for key outpost positions. The lull resulted from Ridgway's decision to halt offensive operations in Korea, because the cost of major assaults on the enemy's defenses would be more than the results could justify. Furthermore, the possibility of an armistice agreement emerging from the recently reopened talks ruled out the mounting of any large-scale offensive by either side. On 21 November Ridgway ordered the Eighth Army to cease offensive operations and begin an active defense of its front. Attacks were limited to those necessary to strengthen the main line of resistance and to establish an adequate outpost line.
In the third week of December the U.S. 45th Division, the first National Guard division to fight in Korea, replaced the 1st Cavalry Division in the I Corps sector north of Seoul. The 1st Cavalry Division returned to Japan.
In the air, U.N. bombers and fighter-bombers continued the interdiction campaign (Operation STRANGLE, which the Far East Air Forces had begun on 15 August 1951) against railroad tracks, bridges, and highway traffic. At sea, naval units of nine nations tightened their blockade around the coastline of North Korea. Carrier-based planes blasted railroads, bridges, and boxcars, and destroyers bombarded enemy gun emplacements and supply depots. On the ground, the 155-mile front remained generally quiet in the opening days of 1952. Later in January the Eighth Army opened a month-long artillery-air campaign against enemy positions, which forced the enemy to dig in deeply. During March and April Van Fleet shifted his units along the front to give the ROK Army a greater share in defending the battle line and to concentrate American fire power in the vulnerable western sector.... More
Memories His first assignment was aboard the USS Hopewell (DD681), making two deployments to Korea. In DecembHis first assignment was aboard the USS Hopewell (DD681), making two deployments to Korea. In December 1952 Commander PENDELL was assigned to flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator on December 22, 1953. His first squadron assignment was VP-22 home ported in Hawaii.... More
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Description Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Se... Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. MoreHide
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Description Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Se... Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. MoreHide
After more than 25 years service in the U.S. Navy, Commander Pendell became a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Air Force Civil Air Patrol.