John A. Dramesi
John Arthur Dramesi (February 12, 1933 – September 17, 2017) was a United States Air Force (USAF) colonel who was held as a prisoner of war from 2 April 1967 to 4 March 1973 in both Hoa Lo Prison, known as "The Hanoi Hilton", and Cu Loc Prison, "The Zoo", during the Vietnam War.
John Arthur Dramesi | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 12, 1933 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | September 17, 2017 (aged 84) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1956–1982 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 505th Tactical Control Group 388th Tactical Fighter Wing |
| Commands held | 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron 509th Bomb Wing |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Air Force Cross (2) Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star (3) Purple Heart (5) Meritorious Service Medal (2) Air Medal (7) |
Dramesi was the last living multiple recipient of the Air Force Cross and one of only four members of the USAF to be twice awarded the Air Force Cross. The first was for the mission on which he was shot down and captured, 2 April 1967, and the second for the six-month period following his second escape and recapture, from May to November 1969, when he was beaten and tortured. He also received an award of the Silver Star for gallantry during an escape on 10 May 1967 and the weeks following his recapture, when he also was beaten and tortured.
While other prisoners of war (POWs) were coerced into cooperating with the enemy, Dramesi steadfastly refused, declining to make propaganda recordings, write letters for the enemy or bow to his captors.