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 Burdette A. Palmer, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Electronic Warfare Officer for the 41st Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, from 113 October 1968 to 16 September 1969. During this period, Lieutenant Palmer flew extremely hazardous missions through adverse weather conditions and through the constant threat of hostile ground fire and attack. In spite of this he superbly accomplished these highly intricate and hazardous missions in support of free world forces combating aggression. Through his personal bravery and energetic application of his knowledge and skill he significantly furthered the goal of the United States in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Palmer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders GB-0394 (March 28, 1973)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 Burdette A. Palmer, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force over Southeast Asia on 20 December 1972. On that date, Captain Palmer, flying as an Electronic Warfare Officer, exhibited exceptional courage and skill while protecting a large bomber force against target area defenses near Hanoi, North Vietnam. Negating attacks by enemy aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, and anti-aircraft artillery, Captain Palmer insured a successful strike despite the many hazards involved. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Palmer has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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 Captain Burdette A. Palmer, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Electronic Warfare Officer over Southeast Asia on 18 December 1972. On that date, Captain Palmer repeatedly attacked and neutralized multiple anti-aircraft and surface to air missile sites in support of a bomber force striking targets in the vicinity of Hanoi, North Vietnam. Despite great risk to his own aircraft, Captain Palmer continued to engage all opposing hostile air defenses in the target area until the bomber force had completed its mission and exited the area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Palmer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Burdette A. Palmer, United States Air Force, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Electronic Warfare Officer over Southeast Asia on 22 December 1972. On that date, while escorting a heavy bomber force attacking strategic targets deep in North Vietnam, Captain Palmer successfully attacked numerous surface-to-air missile sites opposing the strike force. His courageous and timely attacks made in the face of extremely heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire, surface to air missile launches, hostile aircraft attacks and marginal weather aided the strike force to reach their targets and successfully complete their mission. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Palmer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.