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 with Combat “V” to Captain Richard S. Drury, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Pilot in Southeast Asia on 18 February 1970. On that date, he was scrambled in support of a rescue mission for a downed pilot. He provided the navigation and air cover for the rescue helicopter. As the helicopter came in for a pick-up attempt, Captain Drury attacked hostile positions in the area, drawing their fire to himself rather than the more vulnerable helicopter. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Drury reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Richard S. Drury, United States Air Force, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.
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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 Richard S. Drury, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 pilot in Southeast Asia on 26 March 1970. On that date, while under heavy ground fire, he destroyed multiple military vehicles and large stores of supplies through his precise ordnance delivery. By intentionally exposing himself to ground fire to locate anti-aircraft gun positions, his wingman was able to effectively silence one such position. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Drury reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. 3696 (September 13, 1969)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Richard S. Drury, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 pilot in Southeast Asia on 28 June 1969. On that date, Captain Drury flew his A-1 Skyraider on a mission in support of friendly troops who were under attack by an overwhelming number of hostile forces. Disregarding the danger to himself from heavy anti-aircraft fire, Captain Drury courageously attacked and destroyed several multiple anti-aircraft gun positions. When his leader’s aircraft was shot down, his prompt and professional actions in directing their immediately recovery contributed significantly to the successful rescue of two downed pilots. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Drury reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. 3864 (August 28, 1970)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 Richard S. Drury, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 7 February 1970. On that date, Captain Drury was the On Scene Commander for the rescue of two downed aircrewmen. By repeatedly exposing himself to heavy anti-aircraft fire, Captain Drury was able to locate and suppress numerous hostile gun positions. His professional competence in directing the operation permitted the rescue helicopter to effect a successful pickup of both downed airmen. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Drury has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.