This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Shaun Thomas (Underdog), OSC
to remember
Rivers, Wendell Burke (Wendy)(Silverstar)(POW), CAPT.
If you knew or served with this Sailor and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
POW of North Vietnam September 10, 1965 to February 12, 1973
Spent 2,712 days in Captiveity
Wendy retired from the United States Navy on December 30, 1976. After his retirement, Wendy drove a truck for 20 years, until he passed away on May 9, 2009. He was buried at the Seward Cemetery, Seward, Nebraska.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Wendell Burke Rivers (NSN: 0-555144), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 14 to 15 July 1966. Captain Rivers' captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Captain Rivers reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Captain Wendell Burke Rivers (NSN: 0-555144), United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" to Captain Wendell Burke Rivers (NSN: 0-555144), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 1971 to February 1973. During this period, although under constant surveillance from his captors, he performed duties involving highly classified material in an exemplary and professional manner. Through his zealousness and ingenuity, he generated new ideas and improvised techniques greatly enhancing covert operations. Although in a hostile environment, he never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States and his fellow prisoners. By his inspiring courage, exceptional skill, and resourcefulness, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. (Captain Rivers is authorized to wear the Combat "V".)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain [then Lieutenant Commander] Wendell Burke Rivers (NSN: 0-555144), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in aerial flight on 3 April 1965 as pilot of a jet attack aircraft, serving with Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE (VA-155) embarked in U.S.S. CORAL SEA (CVA-43), during air strikes on the Dong Phong Thuong Bridge in North Vietnam. Captain Rivers demonstrated courage and expert airmanship in the face of adverse weather conditions while leading a nine-plane formation against the objective for the second time that day. During the attack, his aircraft suffered a crippling hit causing it to lose a critical amount of fuel. Captain Rivers successfully refueled in flight and safely returned to his aircraft carrier. His outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
