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 David Berry Waldrop, III (AFSN: FV-3162224), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-105 Pilot with the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action over North Vietnam on 5 July 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Waldrop participated in an attack on the Vu Chua Railroad Yard northeast of Hanoi. On the roll-in to his dive bomb delivery Lieutenant Waldrop’s aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft defenses, but despite the battle damage and intense barrages of flak, he proceeded on to drop his ordnance precisely on target. After pulling out from his dive bomb run Lieutenant Waldrop observed an F-105 aircraft on fire and quickly went to that pilot’s assistance, disregarding the heavy anti-aircraft fire in the vicinity. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Waldrop has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant David Berry Waldrop, III (AFSN: FV-3162224), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action over North Vietnam on 12 August 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Waldrop led a flight of three F-105 aircraft against the Hanoi Railroad Bridge located approximately four miles northeast of Hanoi. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire bursting all around his aircraft and several surface-to-air missile launches, Lieutenant Waldrop successfully attacked and destroyed two spans of this vital railroad bridge. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Waldrop has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant David Berry Waldrop, III (AFSN: FV-3162224), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot with the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam on 23 August 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Waldrop successfully attacked the Yen Vien Rail Yard, North Vietnam, in the face of withering anti-aircraft fire. After completing his bombing attack, and with fuel critically low, Lieutenant Waldrop engaged and shot down two MiG-17 aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Waldrop has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.