The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Robert F. Burke, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot in Southeast Asia on 12 May 1972. On that date, Captain Burke flew in support of a search and rescue mission, attempting to recover the crew member of a downed American aircraft located in uncharted territory forty miles southwest of Hanoi, North Vietnam. Captain Burke repeatedly exposed his slow-moving aircraft to the threat of hostile aircraft and gun positions to locate and protect the survivor of the fallen aircraft. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Burke reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.




