The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Francis James Almeter (AFSN: FR-58181), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 12th Air Commando Squadron near Dong Ha, Republic of Vietnam, on 22 April 1967. On that date, Captain Almeter led a three ship formation of unarmed UC-123 defoliation aircraft against a strategically important and extremely well defended target in the eastern end of the Demilitarized Zone. Despite the most intense heavy automatic weapons fire he continued to press the attack until his aircraft was so badly damaged that he was forced to abandon the target to save his crew and the formation. By his gallantry and devotion to duty in continuing the attack of this critical target in spite of the extreme danger, Captain Almeter has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-956 (April 1, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Francis James Almeter (AFSN: FR-58181), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a UC-123B (Defoliation) pilot near Bu Dop, Republic of Vietnam, on 11 October 1967. On that date, Captain Almeter led a flight of three defoliation aircraft against a heavily defended crop target in mountainous terrain which required four spray passes to assure total coverage. Although ground fire was encountered on the third pass, Captain Almeter elected to continue his mission. On the fourth pass his aircraft was crippled by 14 hits from intense automatic weapons fire. In spite of severe battle damage, Captain Almeter accomplished his critical resource mission and returned his formation to a friendly airfield. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Almeter reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel Francis James Almeter (AFSN: FR-58181), United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service as Director, Quality Assurance Directorate, Defense Mapping Agency Aerospace Center, St. Louis Air Force Station, Missouri, from July 1983 to July 1985. Colonel Almeter’s strong and effective leadership, creating management skills and superior levels of performance contributed to the revitalization of a Quality Program throughout the Aerospace Center and the expansion of the product feedback program to obtain additional information about the quality of distributed cartographic products. His outstanding efforts resulted in the successful establishment of a new Directorate and the implementation of new management techniques throughout the Aerospace Center. He initiated improvements in quality auditing that greatly reduced systematic problems and purified final cartographic products being utilized to support advanced weapons systems. Other projects he directed will ensure that quality is integrated into the efforts of the Defense Mapping Agency Special Project Office for Exploitation Modernization. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Almeter culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.