Vice Admiral Frederic Abshire Bardshar (20 October 1915 – 13 September 1993) was an American World War II air ace, who later became Commander of United States Navy Task Force 77 and Carrier Division Five during the Vietnam War.

Military career World War II During World War II, Lieutenant Commander Bardshar piloted a Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat, and was credited with eight kills at the Philippines during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in 1944. He was made commander of Air Group 27, based aboard .

1960s From November 1963 to November 1964, Captain Bardshar was the third Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier . In 1969, Rear Admiral Bardshar led an investigation into the fire aboard the when a Zuni rocket misfired, resulting in the deaths of 27 crew, and 314 more injured.

Vietnam War Bardshar commanded the Constellation during the Gulf of Tonkin Incident from which he led the first U.S. attacks on Vietnam. Later he served two tours with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As Vice Director of Operations he led the planning for Operation Duck Hook to escalate U.S. involvement, eventually denied by President Nixon. As commander of Task Force 77 he was involved in Operation Ivory Coast, to liberate 55 American pilots from Son Tay POW camp. On 20 August 1970, Vice Admiral Bardshar hosted the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos, aboard the aircraft carrier .

Bardshar died at La Jolla, San Diego, on 13 September 1993.

Awards and decorations

Naval Aviator BadgeNavy Distinguished Service MedalSilver StarLegion of Meritw/ Combat "V" and three " Gold StarsDistinguished Flying Crossw/ two " Gold StarsAir Medalw/ " Silver StarNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medalw/ Combat "V"Combat Action RibbonNavy Unit Commendationw/ three " Bronze StarsNavy Meritorious Unit CommendationAmerican Defense Service Medalw/ one " Bronze StarAmerican Campaign MedalAsiatic-Pacific Campaign Medalw/ one " Silver StarWorld War II Victory MedalNavy Occupation Service Medalw/ 'Japan' claspNational Defense Service Medalw/ one " Bronze StarVietnam Service Medalw/ three " Bronze StarsNational Order of Vietnam(Commander)Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit CitationPhilippine Liberation Medalw/ one " Bronze StarPhilippine Independence MedalVietnam Campaign Medal

References

External links Photo of Bardshar with Marcos