Robert Weskamp was forced to eject over North Vietnam on April 25, 1967. He was immediately captured but died of his injuries the same day. His remains were returned to the United States on March 6, 1974.
Sponsored by:
Robert
Larry
Weskamp
POW (RVN) KIA
July 4, 1942
–
April 25, 1967
Cemetery:
Mt. Olivet Cemetery
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Robert Larry Weskamp (AFSN: 17696835/3152424), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 pilot in Southeast Asia on 19 April 1967. On that date, Captain Weskamp was a member of a force of fighter-bombers which struck a highly important Army barracks and headquarters in a heavily defended area. Inbound to the target, Captain Weskamp provided timely warnings which enabled his flight to evade a surface-to-air missile and hostile interceptors. He then maintained a flawless position as his flight leader attacked additional hostile interceptors. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Weskamp in the dedication of his service to his country reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
April 25, 1967 – April 25, 1967
Captain Robert Larry Weskamp (AFSN: 17696835/3152424), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from April 25, 1967 until his death in captivity later on the same day.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
354th Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
355th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
April 25, 1967
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Robert Larry Weskamp (AFSN: 17696835/3152424), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Pilot of the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 25 April 1967. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from unfriendly forces, Captain Weskamp demonstrated cool courage, undaunted determination, and superior skill in pressing home devastating air attacks against hostile positions. Persevering in the face of danger, he relentlessly and effectively aided in neutralizing the hostile forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty in the dedication of his service to his country, Captain Weskamp has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.