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 First Lieutenant Robert L. Hipps (AFSN: 0-3170819), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Navigator over North Vietnam on 21 May 1968. On that date, Lieutenant Hipps located a large hostile truck convoy. Despite the intense fire, Lieutenant Hipps directed a series of highly accurate and devastating attacks which brought the hostile forces to a complete halt and completely destroyed the convoy. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Hipps 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 the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Robert L. Hipps (AFSN: 0-3170819), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Navigator over North Vietnam on 13 March 1968. On that date, Lieutenant Hipps flew a high altitude radar bombing mission against a vital military complex in an area of heavily concentrated anti-aircraft defenses near Hanoi. While maneuvering to avoid a barrage surface-to-air missile attack, his leader lost radar contact with the target. Lieutenant Hipps immediately assumed control of the bomb run at the most critical phase of the mission. Leading his flight on the final moments of the stabilized, highly vulnerable attack, Lieutenant Hipps’ prompt action and technical excellence resulted in all ordnance being placed on target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Hipps reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.