The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Major Robert Alfred Lodge, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 432d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over hostile territory on 3 April 1972. On that date, Major Lodge was scrambled from air defense alert to intercept a hostile aircraft which was attempting to attack friendly aircraft. Despite the hazards of descending over unfamiliar mountainous terrain at night to pursue the hostile aircraft, Major Lodge’s outstanding leadership and airmanship resulted in the hostile aircraft breaking off its attack. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Lodge reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.



