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 Richard Eugene Smith, Jr. (AFSN: FR-57992), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of a Republic F-105 Thunderchief over Vietnam on 24 October 1967. On that date, Major Smith flew in the first flight of F-105 aircraft assigned to attack a high priority military target in North Vietnam which services the majority of North Vietnamese MiG interceptors. Being in the first flight he flew through intense anti-aircraft gunfire to place his ordnance accurately on the gun positions. Major Smith’s action contributed to the survival of the twenty strike aircraft that followed on the attack of the airfield. During egress from the target he was continually tracked by anti-aircraft guns and had to maneuver violently to avoid a surface-to-air missile that detonated directly behind him. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Smith reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Richard Eugene Smith, Jr. (AFSN: FR-57992), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 strike pilot over North Vietnam on 18 October 1967. On that date, Major Smith was flying the number three aircraft in a flight of four, executed against a heavily defended high priority military target. Major Smith disregarded the intense flak and imminent MiG attack to deliver his ordnance directly on target. While recovering from his dive-bomb run Major Smith attacked and drove off a MiG attacking his leader’s aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Smith reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.