This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Alexander, Fernando, Lt Col USAF(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Dallas , Texas
Last Address North Highlands, California,
Date of Passing Apr 16, 2020
Location of Interment Mount Vernon Memorial Park - Fair Oaks, California
He was a B-52 Navigator with the 346th Bomb Squadron at Westover AFB, MA, from Jul 1968 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on Dec 19, 1972. During his time with the 346th, he deployed to Southeast Asia four times between Sep 1968 and Dec 1972. After spending 101 days in captivity, he was released during Operation Homecoming on Mar 29, 1973. He served at McClellan AFB, CA, before serving as commander of the Air Force ROTC program at Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, NC, from Sep 1977 until his retirement from the Air Force on Oct 1, 1979.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat "V" to Major Fernando Alexander (AFSN: 0-19446464), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Radar Navigator over Southeast Asia on 19 December 1972. On that date, Major Alexander participated in a high priority bombing mission against a vital military target in a heavily defended area of North Vietnam. Despite the extreme hazards presented by surface-to-air missiles and hostile interceptors, Major Alexander displayed extraordinary courage and a remarkable ability to perform under severe stress. His willingness to place mission requirements above his personal safety was vital in the successful release of his ordnance on the designated target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Alexander reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
His Bronze Star citation:
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Air Force
Division: Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" to Lieutenant Colonel Fernando Alexander (AFSN: 0-19446464), United States Air Force, for meritorious service while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 1972 to March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
