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 a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain Richardson Hiller Crook (AFSN: FR-58545), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Forward Air Controller with the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, directing fighter aircraft, near Song Be, Republic of Vietnam on 25 November 1967. On that date, Captain Crook, with complete disregard for his own life, continually exposed himself to intense anti-aircraft and automatic weapons fire while directing fighter aircraft against a hostile force that had attacked a small compound harboring one friendly company. Captain Crook made repeated low passes and dove again and again through heavy ground fire to identify and mark targets for the supporting aircraft. As a result of his aggressive and heroic actions, the friendly company was saved from certain annihilation by the vastly superior hostile force. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Crook has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Richardson Hiller Crook (AFSN: FR-58545), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, in action near Song Be, Republic of Vietnam, on 25 September 1967. On that date, Captain Crook repeatedly braved intense automatic weapons and small arms fire as a Forward Air Controller in an O-1 aircraft against a hostile force of battalion strength which had completely surrounded and viciously attacked a small friendly village. His complete disregard for his own personal safety, and his aggressive heroic actions under extremely hazardous conditions, saved the friendly troops and local populace from certain annihilation. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Crook has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Richardson Hiller Crook (AFSN: FR-58545), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Forward Air Controller with the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, directing fighter aircraft, near Bo Dop, Republic of Vietnam on 29 November 1967. On that date, Captain Crook, with complete disregard for his own life, continually exposed himself to intense anti-aircraft and automatic weapons fire while directing aircraft against a hostile regiment that attacked a friendly camp. His brave and aggressive actions saved the allied forces from being overrun and resulted in a disastrous defeat for the hostile force. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Captain Crook has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.