Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Attack Squadron 311 (VMA-311)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    October 2, 1967

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Robert Marion Akin (MCSN: 0-81450), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Attack Squadron THREE HUNDRED ELEVEN (VMA-311), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 2 October 1967.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Attack Squadron 311 (VMA-311)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    December 27, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert Marion Akin (MCSN: 0-81450), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Attack Squadron THREE HUNDRED ELEVEN (VMA-311), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 27 December 1967, Captain Akin launched as Section Leader of a flight of two A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to provide close air support for an emergency medical evacuation and the extraction of a Marine reconnaissance team which was under attack by a numerically superior enemy force twenty miles southwest of DaNang. Arriving over the designated area, he was briefed on the friendly and enemy situation by the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne), who directed the wingman to commence his attack. After alertly observing the source of anti-aircraft fire directed at his wingman, Captain Akin, with complete disregard for his own safety, commenced his attack against the hostile positions. Skillfully maneuvering through the enemy fire, he delivered all his ordnance with pinpoint precision on three separate runs and silenced the enemy weapons. After expending his bombs, Captain Akin and his wingman made numerous strafing runs to within fifty feet of the Marines and, when his 20-mm. ammunition was expended, fearlessly made additional simulated strafing runs until his low fuel supply forced him to return to his base. His exceptional aeronautical ability and resolute determination in the face of extreme personal danger won the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the mission. Captain Akin’s courage, superb airmanship and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.