Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

6th Ranger Battalion, Sixth Army, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1945

For actions in 'The Great Raid' in January 1945.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

1946

Period:

Vietnam War (1955-1975)

Rank:

Colonel

Unit:

Son Tay Volunteer Task Force, U.S. Army Vietnam (USARV), U.S. Army

Awarded on:

July 13th, 1971

"For extraordinary heroism while commanding the ground element of a joint United States task force on an operation deep in North Vietnam on 21 November 1970. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Colonel Simons voluntarily participated as a member of a Joint Task Force with the humanitarian mission of rescuing United States military personnel held as prisoners of war at the Son Tay Prison Compound approximately twenty nautical miles from Hanoi, the capital of North Vietnam. In an outstanding display of leadership and personal courage, Colonel Simons led the ground force in the rescue effort. On the ground, the search and rescue element was immediately taken under automatic weapons fire by the enemy. While directing and supervising the operation, Colonel Simons continually exposed himself to enemy fire and, on one occasion, personally took under fire enemy personnel in close proximity to his position. The success of the operation was the direct result of Colonel Simons' calm and competent leadership in an extremely hazardous situation. His professional conduct instilled confidence in his men and resulted in an outstanding operation. Colonel Simons' extraordinary heroism was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit on him and the United States Army."

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 32

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With bronze service star

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With 3 service stars

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)