Clio Logo
This is a contributing entry for Beaches Museum and only appears as part of that tour.Learn More.
This plaque was dedicated to Col. Howard Dunn and all prisoners of war and those missing in action on July 10, 1973. Col. Dunn was a Marine flyer who spent seven years as a prisoner of war. The plaque reads: "The Freedom Tree with the Vision of Universal Freedom for All Mankind This Tree is Dedicated to Col. Howard Dunn and All Prisoners of War and Missing In Action 1973." Participating in the ceremonies were the Marine Color Guard, Navy Band; Senator Bruce Smathers, Rev. James Tinsley, Fred Ahern, Mayors Robert Evans, Wm S. Howell and John Futch, and Col. J. Howard Dunn.

Freedom Tree Memorial

Freedom Tree Memorial

Col. J. Howard Dunn

Col. J. Howard Dunn

Letter from ltCol. J.Howard Dunn

Letter from  ltCol. J.Howard Dunn

Lt. J. Howard Dunn's Silver Star Citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 1965 to October 1966. After his aircraft was shot down, Lieutenant Colonel (then Major) Dunn evaded capture by the enemy in North Vietnam for six days. Once placed in a prison camp, the tenacity and indomitable spirit he showed during those six days became the trademark of his resolve. Lieutenant Colonel Dunn steadfastly refused to cooperate with his captors and was subjected to severe cruelties. Thwarting every attempt of the enemy to break his resistance, he gave his fellow prisoners an exemplary standard upon which to base their own conduct. Although Lieutenant Colonel Dunn aroused the fury of his captors by his resistance, the level of his courage and doggedness matched the increasing intensity of maltreatment levied upon him by the enemy, who ignored international agreements concerning the treatment of POW's. His resolve and determination provided the highest form of leadership and personal example. By his sheer determination and professionalism under the most adverse of conditions, Lieutenant Colonel Dunn displayed devotion not only to the United States but also to his fellow prisoners; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps, the Naval Service, and the United States Armed Forces.

www.veterantributes.org. Accessed May 14th 2020. http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=136.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Beaches Museum

Beaches Museum

Beaches Museum Archives