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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Robert Francis Dunn (NSN: 0-542919/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY-SIX (VA-146), in the U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA-64), in Southeast Asia on 30 September 1967. Commander Dunn distinguished himself and his service by leading a daring and particularly hazardous Air Wing strike against the strategic and vigorously defended Loi Dong Transshipment Complex located in the outskirts of the city of Haiphong in North Vietnam. The mission plan was brilliantly devised by Commander Dunn, and executed with flawless precision. En route to the target, a barrage of 11 surface-to-air missiles were directed at the group. Through skillful evasive maneuvers and shrewd employment of his missile suppressor forces, he not only led his strike group safely to the target, but directed the destruction of three enemy missile sites en route. Locating his target, he courageously commenced his attack, rolling in through a thick blanket of 34, 57 and 85 millimeter anti-aircraft fire. Despite this opposition, he scored two direct hits on a loading pier, and spotted a tug and tow underway in the river and directed another member of the strike force to attack it. Due to his exceptionally alert targeting, the tug and barge were destroyed. The loading pier received heavy damage and was rendered unserviceable. Commander Dunn then proceeded to lead his strike group safely to sea. His brilliant tactical planning and flawless airborne force employment dealt a severe blow to the enemy’s supply effort. Commander Dunn’s exceptional courage, keen judgment, and peerless leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 146 (VA-146)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Constellation (CVA-64)

    Action Date:

    July 9, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander Robert Francis Dunn (NSN: 0-542919/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 9 July 1967 as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY-SIX (VA-146), in the U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA-64). As leader of a coordinated strike against the Haiphong petroleum products storage area in North Vietnam, Commander Dunn brilliantly planned and flawlessly executed a remarkably successful strike which rendered useless one of the enemy’s largest petroleum storage areas and destroyed a large quantity of the enemy’s supply of oil. When the flight was taken under fire by numerous surface-to-air missiles, the strike force rapidly became disarrayed during violent evasive maneuvers. Observing a missile strike his wingman while maneuvering to personally avoid two missiles, Commander Dunn marshaled the now disorganized strike force and directed it to continue the mission while he orbited his stricken wingman’s falling plane. After losing sight of the crippled aircraft in the low cloud cover, he then proceeded to the target, dropping his bombs in a singularly destructive attack which resulted in a huge secondary explosion and a large oil-fed fire. After the safe retirement of all planes, Commander Dunn returned to the area of the crashed aircraft, and, amid continuing heavy anti-aircraft fire, conducted a search for his wingman. By his personal courage, leadership, and airmanship, he assured the success of this strike and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    January 1987 – May 1989

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Robert Francis Dunn (NSN: 0-542919/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Air Warfare) from January 1987 through May 1989. During this period, the capabilities and readiness of Naval Aviation forces advanced markedly through the brilliant and dynamic leadership of Vice Admiral Dunn. He personally initiated comprehensive and farsighted programs to attain a maximum state of Naval Aviation effectiveness. Among numerous major weapons system procurement actions, his most notable efforts were the highly successful SH-60F, S-3B, ES-3, E-6A, A-12, V-22, T-45, and P-7 (LRAACA) programs. Vice Admiral Dunn’s extensive knowledge and thorough familiarity with the important aviation issues, coupled with a unique ability to communicate with candor and conviction, consistently earned needed understanding of and support for Naval aviation programs. His unusual insight and thorough planning contributed to the success of numerous United States military and diplomatic efforts throughout the world. Through his guidance and personal involvement in aviation safety, the Naval aviation mishap rate declined to its present all-time low, reflecting a priceless savings in human lives and property. Vice Admiral Dunn’s distinctive accomplishments, unrelenting perseverance, and steadfast dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    December 1983 – December 1986

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Robert Francis Dunn (NSN: 0-542919/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk, Virginia from December 1983 to December 1986. Vice Admiral Dunn’s contributions extended across the full spectrum of Naval Aviation leadership, operations, logistics, research and development. His responsibilities spanned three oceans and touched every element of Navy and Marine Corps aviation. Vice Admiral Dunn’s tireless energy and dynamic pursuit of excellence resulted in unprecedented low aircraft mishap rates; superior training and readiness of eight aircraft carriers and embarked air wings; and the academic foundation for the Antisubmarine Warfare University. His actions had direct impact on every man and woman in the Force and significantly improved their ability to do their jobs under the most demanding conditions. Vice Admiral Dunn’s adroit leadership, consummate planning abilities, and exemplary devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    October 15, 1971 – September 12, 1972

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Robert Francis Dunn (NSN: 0-542919/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations on the staff of Commander SIXTH Fleet from 15 October 1971 to 12 September 1972. Through positive, dynamic leadership and exemplary personal initiative, Captain Dunn elicited superb performance from his staff, thereby upgrading the readiness posture of the SIXTH Fleet. Captain Dunn displayed a wealth of professional knowledge and a remarkable understanding of the operational and tactical complexities of naval and air warfare. He arranged the first Mediterranean trilateral missile exercise, coordinated the first multi-national operation for the surveillance of Soviet submarines, and supervised the first integration of a foreign warship into the SIXTH Fleet for extended operations. Captain Dunn provided invaluable support to the Fleet Commander in implementing initiatives which contributed directly to increased rapport and mutual cooperation with allied forces of the Mediterranean. Captain Dunn’s continual superb performance reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    October 1982 – December 1983
    SECNAV Serial 1356 (December 1, 1983)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Robert Francis Dunn (NSN: 0-542919/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Naval Reserve from October 1982 to December 1983. Rear Admiral Dunn demonstrated superior capability in articulating the needs and goals of the Naval Reserve to the leadership of the Department of Defense, the Navy, the Congress, and the community at large. He fostered broad comprehension of the total reserve and promoted a thorough understanding of the contribution to the capability of the Total Force through all levels of government, which resulted in unprecedented levels of budget and program support vital to a strong Naval Reserve. Rear Admiral Dunn accelerated the modernization of the reserve program with new equipment and major expansion of existing programs. He established new standards of excellence throughout the force and his inspirational leadership set the Naval Reserve on a course to achieve maximum capability. Rear Admiral Dunn’s distinctive accomplishments, unrelenting perseverance, and unwavering dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    May 1978 – June 1980
    SECNAV Serial 524097 (May 12, 1980)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Robert Francis Dunn (NSN: 0-542919/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Carrier Group (COMCARGRU) EIGHT from May 1978 to June 1980. Demonstrating exceptional knowledge, experience, enthusiasm, and leadership, Rear Admiral Dunn led his command to exceptional accomplishments in all areas of operations, material improvement, readiness and training., and personnel management. By applying the highest of standards, he ensured that all COMCARGRU EIGHT evolutions were executed smartly with resultant increased readiness and better procedures in both SECOND and SIXTH Fleets and throughout the Naval Air Force Atlantic. Rear Admiral Dunn was quick to identify problems, provide solutions, and implement the necessary corrective actions. His noteworthy projects included extensive and intensive on-going command and control improvements, upgraded SSSC procedures, better AAW procedures, development of weapons tactics, battle group employment of electronic warfare, and full employment of the nuclear power task force advantages. His influence was wide spread and had a positive impact. By maintaining a daily, personal contact with the members of his group, he was inspirational in his leadership and understanding in his direction and directives. Through personal devotion, outstanding leadership, tireless effort, and steadfast dedication to duty, Rear Admiral Dunn reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 146 (VA-146)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Constellation (CVA-64)

    Action Date:

    June 11, 1967
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 102 (February 28, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Robert Francis Dunn (NSN: 0-542919/1310), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of a jet aircraft while serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY-SIX (VA-146), in the U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA-64), during a successful attack against Kep airfield, North Vietnam, on 11 June 1967. Commander Dunn displayed exceptional planning, airmanship, navigational ability, bombing expertise and coolness under fire. Braving a large number of surface-to-air missile firings and intense enemy gunfire, he boldly led the entire strike force over a treacherous 50 miles of enemy territory. The dangerously close missiles necessitated violent evasive maneuvers, but Commander Dunn’s courage and perseverance enabled him to acquire the target and mark it for the flight. Ignoring his own safety, he then led the attack force through a withering barrage of anti-aircraft artillery fire. Entering his dive, he delivered his ordnance with exceptional skill, heavily damaging the vital control tower of the base. His daring leadership and courage in the face of extremely heavy opposition and great personal danger were instrumental to the success of the strike, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    June 1980 – October 1982
    SECNAV Serial 1114 (September 29, 1982)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Robert Francis Dunn (NSN: 0-542919/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Commander, Naval Military Personnel Command and Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel from June 1980 to October 1982. An extremely effective and resourceful leader, Rear Admiral Dunn superbly coordinated the broad spectrum of complex policy and procedural matters concerning naval personnel management. Displaying exceptional organizational skill and sound judgment, he infused his entire organization with a sense of purpose and dedication, and his bold and imaginative style of leadership inspired his subordinates to respond magnificently to the monumental challenges they faced. His extraordinary efforts had a distinctly positive impact on every facet of personnel distribution and management. By his boundless enthusiasm, exceptional management, superb professional performance, and unswerving devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Dunn reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 146 (VA-146)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Ranger (CVA-61)

    Action Date:

    March 4, 1966
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 5070 (July 28, 1966)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Robert Francis Dunn (NSN: 0-542919/1310), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot in Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY-SIX (VA-146), a unit of Attack Carrier Air Wing FOURTEEN embarked in U.S.S. RANGER (CVA-61), during a successful attack on a military POL and Storage Area in North Vietnam on 4 March 1966. Commander Dunn planned and led a successful coordinated strike against this target which was heavily defended by surface-to-air missiles and by anti-aircraft artillery ranging from heavy caliber weapons to automatic weapons. The attack was complicated by the necessity for a low altitude approach to the target and incomplete target photography. These difficulties notwithstanding, he successfully executed the attack, inflicting severe damage to the target thus depriving the enemy of badly needed supplies. Commander Dunn’s exceptional competence and leadership in the planning and execution of this unusually demanding strike constituted an extraordinary achievement. Commander Dunn’s courage and devotion to duty in the face of extremely hazardous flying conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.