The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Robert D. Dowden, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Weapon Systems Officer in Southeast Asia on 9 December 1972. On that date, while suppressing threatening air defenses in support of fighter bomber strikes deep within hostile territory, Captain Dowden attacked and destroyed key surface-to-air missile sites which opposed the strike force. His courageous attacks, conducted at low level altitude in heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire and surface-to-air missile attacks served to draw fire away from the other friendly forces in the area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Dowden reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.