Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Robin
Gene
Tornow
April 30, 1942

–

August 22, 2010

Born:

Monroe

, 

Wisconsin

Home:

Watertown

, 

Wisconsin

Buried: 

Colorado Springs

, 

Colorado

Cemetery:

U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery

Robin Tornow graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1964. He retired in 1993 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    19th Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Division:

    Nha Trang Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    September 18, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-554 (February 20, 1968)

    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 Robin Gene Tornow (AFSN: 0-78952), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as an O-1 Bird Dog Pilot and Forward Air Controller of the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, in action near Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam, on 18 September 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Tornow flew in support of a beleaguered ground force and successfully directed Tactical Air Power against an opposing armed force. His quick and skillful actions silenced the heavy ground fire from the opposing force and enabled the friendly forces to save the lives of several critically injured through a rapid helicopter evacuation. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Tornow reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    1990 – 1993

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Robin Gene Tornow (AFSN: 0-78952), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, culminating as Commandant of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, from 1990 to 1993. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Tornow culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    19th Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Division:

    Nha Trang Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    February 18, 1969
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-3303 (October 25, 1968)

    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 First Lieutenant Robin Gene Tornow (AFSN: 0-78952), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving as an O-1 Bird Dog Pilot and Forward Air Controller of the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, in action against the enemy near Song Be, Republic of Vietnam on 18 February 1968. Shortly after midnight on that date, the area came under attack by an estimated two battalions of hostile forces and was threatened with being overrun. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Tornow exposed himself to intense ground fire, mortars and rockets while refueling, rearming and launching his aircraft unaided on three occasions during the night. Through his efforts as an Airborne Forward Air Controller, the opposing armed force was neutralized thereby preventing many friendly casualties. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Tornow has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    June 20, 1983 – June 23, 1985

    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 Robin Gene Tornow (AFSN: 0-78952), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States as Assistant Chief of the War Mobilization Planning Division, Deputy Directorate for Planning Integration, and as the Deputy Assistant Director for Joint and National Security Council Matters, Directorate of Plans, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, Headquarters United States Air Force, Washington, District of Columbia, from 20 June 1983 to 23 June 1985. In these important positions the keen insight, judgment and dedicated efforts of Colonel Tornow were significantly displayed in the analyses and advice provided on major politico-military issues of national significance. His clear counsel contributed immeasurably to the timely and efficient functioning of the Chief of Staff, United States Air Force as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and to the security of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Tornow reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    January 6, 1987 – May 24, 1990

    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 Brigadier General Robin Gene Tornow (AFSN: 0-78952), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States as Commander, 405th Tactical Training Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona; Commander, United States Air Force Southern Air Division, Howard Air Force Base, Republic of Panama; and as Commander, 830th Air Division, Albrook Air Force Station, Republic of Panama from 6 January 1987 to 24 May 1990. General Tornow’s outstanding supervisory skills were instrumental to our national policy objective to maintain a strong and secure southern flank. His security assistance programs eagerly embraced the initiatives of the Commander in Chief, United States Southern Command, to expand United States Air Force influence in Latin America. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by General Tornow reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.