(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.

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.

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.