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Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Superior Service Medal to Brigadier General Richard G. Head, United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense as Deputy Commander, Fifth Allied Tactical Air Force, Vincenza, Italy, from July 1983 to July 1985. His dynamic leadership and expertise were directly responsible for enhancing the combat posture of the Fifth Allied Tactical Air Force and the Southern Region. He was responsible for many Tactical Air Force improvements including initiation of the Fifth Allied Tactical Air Force’s Follow-On Forces Attack Study, development of a long-term intelligence enhancement architecture and establishment of more realism in exercises and tactical evaluations. He was the driving force behind upgrading the antiquated information processing systems in the Fifth Allied Tactical Air Force, resulting in a more efficient staff and a headquarters better able to carry out its peacetime, as well as wartime, mission. The distinctive accomplishments of General Head reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    602d Fighter Squadron (Commando)

    Division:

    Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

    Action Date:

    August 29, 1965
    Headquarters, Pacific Air Force, Special Orders G-164 (1965)

    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 Captain Richard Glenn Head (AFSN: FR-59247), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1E P:ilot of the 602d Fighter Squadron (Commando), Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, in action near Qui Nhon, Republic of Vietnam, on 29 August 1965. While flying as the lead in a two ship flight of A-1E aircraft, Captain Head came under intense and accurate ground fire from Viet Cong .50 caliber machine gun positions. Although hampered by low ceilings and approaching darkness, Captain Head proceeded to press the attack utilizing the low ceilings and poor visibility to his advantage, and silenced seven of the guns. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty by Captain Had reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    602d Fighter Squadron (Commando)

    Division:

    Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

    Action Date:

    June 10, 1965
    Headquarters, Pacific Air Force, Special Order G-88 (July 2, 1965)

    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 Richard Glenn Head (AFSN: FR-59247), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an A-1E Pilot of the 602d Fighter Squadron (Commando), Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 10 June 1965. On that date, the Dong Xoai fort was under heavy attack by overwhelming forces and firepower. With complete disregard for personal safety and despite severe damage to his aircraft from hostile fire, Captain Head led repeated and successful attacks against enemy positions and accounted for heavy Viet Cong losses. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Head has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Defense Superior Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    April 1979 – June 30, 1983

    Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Brigadier General Richard G. Head, United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense as Director, Crisis planning and Assessment Group, and as Special Assistant for Joint Matters to the Director, Joint Staff, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Throughout this period, he provided invaluable advice and counsel on the broad range of issues of national significance facing the Director, Joint Staff, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His keen insight, judgment, and dedicated efforts contributed immeasurably to the development of military advice and recommendations on such vital subjects as strategic forces programs, strategy for Southwest Asia, deployment of AWACS to Saudi Arabia, the creation of the U.S. Central Command, and many other U.S. policy decisions. His extraordinary efforts and special talents have contributed significantly to the military advice furnished to this Nation’s highest decisionmakers. The distinctive accomplishments of General Head reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.