Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    December 9, 1972

    Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders GB-804

    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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    October 8, 1972

    Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders GA-3270 (December 27, 1973)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert D. Dowden, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Weapon Systems Officer over Southeast Asia on 8 October 1972. On that date, despite multiple surface-to-air missile launches and marginal weather conditions, Robin flight consisting of four F-4E’s destroyed an ammunition storage area fifteen miles northwest of Hanoi. Through his superior airmanship, Captain Dowden’s flight was able to acquire and strike the target, where other flights failed because of the extremely marginal weather in the area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Dowden reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    December 21, 1972

    Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders GB-0394 (March 28, 1973)

    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 Captain Robert D. Dowden, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force over North Vietnam on 21 December 1972. On that date, while leading a two-ship flight of F-4E aircraft providing hostile aircraft protection for a strike force consisting of two strike flights and a surface-to-air missile suppression team, Captain Dowden completed his assigned mission despite having sustained battle damage to his aircraft, heavy defensive reactions by anti-aircraft guns, surface-to-air missiles, hostile aircraft, and adverse weather. His efforts resulted in heavy damage to one target and the destruction of another. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Captain Dowden has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Regiment:

    4133d Bombardment Wing (Provisional)

    Action Date:

    September 6, 1969

    Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders G-121 (May 28, 1970)

    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 D. Dowden, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 combat aircrew member assigned to the 4133d Bombardment Wing (Provisional), Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on 6 September 1969. On that date, Captain Dowden flew as Navigator on a highly critical mission over Vietnam. He exhibited outstanding skill and knowledge in confidently directing his formation to the successful destruction of two important targets. His constant application of navigational skill, coordination, and judgment were significant factors in the completion of this high priority mission, Captain Dowden contributed immeasurably to the success of the Strategic Air Command’s Contingency Operation in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Dowden reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    July 24, 1972

    Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders GB-0074 (July 24, 1972)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert D. Dowden, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4F Weapons Systems Officer over Southeast Asia on 24 July 1972. On that date, despite attacks by hostile aircraft, numerous surface-to-air missile launches, and intense anti-aircraft fire, Captain Dowden provided cover for friendly strike aircraft attacking a heavily defended target deep within North Vietnam. During the course of the attack, Captain Dowden was directly responsible in assisting and escorting a damaged aircraft from the target area to safety. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Dowden reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.