The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Seventh 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 16 April 1972. On that date, Major Lodge led a flight of tactical fighters on a MiG Cap for a large fighter-bomber strike force. Despite the hazards of low level engagements with attacking aircraft in mountainous terrain, marginal weather, and several surface-to-air missiles launched at the flight, Major Lodge was directly responsible for protecting the strike force and insuring mission success. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Lodge reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.



