Former U-2 pilot posthumously awarded Silver Star

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presents the Silver Star, posthumously awarded to Capt. Francis Gary Powers, to the captain’s grandchildren, Francis Gary “Trey” Powers III and Lindsey Barry, on June 15, 2012, in the Pentagon. Captain Powers was shot down over the Soviet Union on May 1, 1960, and received the decoration for the heroism he displayed while held prisoner by the Soviets. He was released in 1962 but subsequently died in a 1977 helicopter crash. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christina Brownlow)

Former U-2 pilot posthumously awarded Silver Star

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz celebrates with Gary Powers Jr. and Dee Powers, children of Capt. Francis Gary Powers, after Schwartz presented the captain’s posthumous Silver Star to the family on June 15, 2012, in the Pentagon. Captain Powers was shot down over the Soviet Union on May 1, 1960, and received the decoration for the heroism he displayed while held prisoner by the Soviets. He was released in 1962 but subsequently died in a 1977 helicopter crash. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)

Former U-2 pilot posthumously awarded Silver Star

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presents the Silver Star, posthumously awarded to Capt. Francis Gary Powers, to the captain’s grandchildren, Francis Gary “Trey” Powers III and Lindsey Barry, on June 15, 2012, in the Pentagon. Captain Powers was shot down over the Soviet Union on May 1, 1960, and received the decoration for the heroism he displayed while held prisoner by the Soviets. He was released in 1962 but subsequently died in a 1977 helicopter crash. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)

Maj. George "Bud" Day

Maj. George E. "Bud" Day, a downed F-100 Super Sabre pilot, became the only known American to escape into South Vietnam after being captured in the north. Within two miles of freedom, he was re-captured by the Viet Cong. He wouldn't know freedom again for 5 1/2 years. For his bravery, he received the Medal of Honor. (U.S. Air Force illustration)

Col. Merlyn H. Dethlefsen

Col. Merlyn H. Dethlefsen, Medal of Honor recipient for actions in the Vietnam War. (U.S. Air Force Illustration/Virginia Reyes)

Capt. Virgil 'Gus' Grissom

Gus Grissom was one of NASA's original seven Mercury astronauts and the first man to fly in space twice. He died Jan. 27, 1967, in the Apollo 204 fire at Cape Kennedy. (U.S. Air Force photo)