Navy Federal Credit Union

Robert Love served during World War II as an Instructor Pilot and was discharged after the end of the war. He joined and flew with the California Air National Guard, until he was returned to active duty in the Korean War. He became a Korean War Air ACE, credited with shooting down SIX enemy MiG aircraft. He was found dead of apparent heart failure sitting next to his airplane in his hanger in California on December 6, 1986.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter-Interceptor Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 21, 1952

    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 337 (July 10, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Robert John Love (AFSN: AO-732034), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as a Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter-Bomber of the, 335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 21 April 1952. While leading a flight of F-86s protecting fighter-bombers, Captain Love sighted a battle, and, singling out an enemy element, initiated an attack. Intercepted by four enemy fighters before his element could complete the attack, Captain Love split the flight and attacked its leader. Despite numerically superior opposition, Captain Love maneuvered into position, scoring hits on the MiG which caused the pilot to eject himself. Captain Love then broke from the remaining MiG to aid his wingman who was being fired upon as he pressed an attack. Intercepting the enemy’s threat, Captain Love closed to within two hundred yards, holding his fire to conserve his limited ammunition. Captain Love’s skillful attack resulted in destruction of another enemy aircraft, and provided protection while his wingman completed destruction of the MiG he had engaged. Through his extraordinary valor and outstanding airmanship in the face of determined opposition, Captain Love reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter-Interceptor Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 1, 1952

    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 Captain Robert John Love (AFSN: AO-732034), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over North Korea on 1 April 1952. Captain Love was leading a flight of F-86’s on combat air patrol as top cover for fighter bombers when a flight of seven MiG-15 aircraft were sighted. Captain Love immediately positioned his flight for an attack. As he was climbing to firing range one of the MiG’s broke from the flight and started down toward the fighter bombers. Captain Love intercepted this MiG and fired several bursts which destroyed this enemy aircraft before it could do any damage to the fighter bombers. Captain Love’s aggressive leadership and outstanding devotion to duty have brought credit to himself, his comrades in arms of the United Nations, and the United States Air Force.