Robert Beale received his commission through the Air Force ROTC program. During service in Vietnam he received both the Air Force Cross and Silver Star for two separate missions one month apart. Major Paul Mongillo, who served as Electronics Warfare Officer on Major Beale’s aircraft, also received the Air Force Cross in the same mission in which Major Beale received his AFC. In that action Major Mongillo was struck and killed by enemy flak and received his award posthumously. Robert Beale retired as an Air Force Colonel on June 30, 1979.
Sponsored by:
Robert
S.
Beale
January 24, 1934
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
March 30, 1974 – August 15, 1975
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Robert S. Beale (AFSN: 0-57324), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 24th Composite Group, Howard Air Force Base, Canal Zone, from 30 March 1974 to 15 August 1975. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Beale resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the mission of the United States Air Force in Latin America. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Beale reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
44th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
December 16, 1967
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-134 (April 5, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Major Robert S. Beale (AFSN: 0-57324), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot of the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, during a missile suppression mission on an isolated vital military target near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 16 December 1967. On that date, Major Beale braved many concentrations of heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire and eighteen surface-to-air missiles as he successfully led his missile suppression flight in diverting the hostile defenses away from the main strike force. He contributed to the destruction of one missile site only three miles from the center of the heavily defended target area and damaged at least one other missile complex. As a result of his actions, the main strike force suffered no losses, encountered only four missiles, and successfully destroyed this vital military target. Through his superb airmanship, aggressiveness, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Beale reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
44th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
November 17, 1967
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 Major Robert S. Beale (AFSN: 0-57324), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot of the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 17 November 1967. On that date, Major Beale braved bad weather, encountered barrages of anti-aircraft artillery fire and two surface-to-air missiles as he pressed repeated attacks that destroyed one hostile missile site and damaged radars of three other missile sites and one anti-aircraft artillery site. As a direct result of his actions the strike forces he was assigned to protect suffered no losses in a successful mission in the face of determined defenses. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Beale has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 17, 1978 – June 30, 1979
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Robert S. Beale (AFSN: 0-57324), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, Armament and Avionics Requirements, and Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Requirements, Headquarters Tactical Air Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, from 17 June 1978 to 30 June 1979. By providing leadership, foresight and ceaseless efforts to the requirements process, he has made major contributions to the effectiveness and success of future operational capability of the Tactical Air Forces. With outstanding professional skill and complete dedication, he applied the highest order of competence in staff management, effective coordination, technical comprehension, and sound direction of the Tactical Air Forces’ current and future operational needs. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Beale culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
44th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
February 23, 1968
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 to Major Robert S. Beale (AFSN: 0-57324), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 pilot over North Vietnam on 23 February 1968. On that date, with his assigned mission completed, Major Beale displayed outstanding courage and aggressiveness by seeking out and locating a hostile surface-to-air missile site. Undaunted by darkness and marginal weather conditions, this officer initiated an attack on the site causing four surface-to-air missiles to be fired at his aircraft, successfully decoying missile activity from another friendly aircraft allowing it to complete its assigned bombing mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Beale reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
44th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
November 20, 1967
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 Major Robert S. Beale (AFSN: 0-57324), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot in the vicinity of Hanoi, North Vietnam on 20 November 1967. On that date, flying through intense and accurate anti-aircraft artillery fire and volleys of surface-to-air missile launches, Major Beale exhibited outstanding courage and professional leadership while attacking hostile surface-to-air missile sites. With complete disregard for his own safety he damaged one missile complex and destroyed a flak site while protecting a large strike force striking a highly important target. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Beale reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.