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 Alfred Lodge, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot of the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam on 2 January 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Lodge exposed himself to active surface-to-air missile sites and so completely occupied them, that the interceptor force was free to carry out its assigned mission and destroy seven hostile aircraft without defensive missile interference. Lieutenant Lodge also destroyed an active enemy military installation after completing his primary mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Lodge reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.



