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 Donald Eugene Madonna, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in Southeast Asia on 11 July 1969. On that date, as Aircraft Commander of Tiger 02, a F-4E Forward Air Controller, Captain Madonna directed multiple attacks on firing antiaircraft gun batteries that were providing defense for a vital storage and bivouac area. His actions in directing these air strikes required multiple marking passes and continuous exposure within the lethal envelope of the anti-aircraft guns in order to assure their destruction and to heroically utilize the strike aircraft at his disposal. This courageous and aggressive attack, against infinitely superior odds, succeeded in destroying four of these guns and completely neutralizing this major gun complex. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Madonna reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
469th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
May 1, 1969
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-4211 (October 15, 1969)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 Donald Eugene Madonna, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Forward Air Controller of the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on the evening of 1 May 1969. On that date, Captain Madonna controlled a flight attacking a hostile convoy on a major infiltration route. Overcoming fading light, rugged terrain, and moving targets, Captain Madonna continually exposed himself to heavy ground fire and directed the mission until the convoy was destroyed. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Madonna reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 27, 1980 – March 31, 1982
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Donald Eugene Madonna, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commandant, United States Air Force Test Pilot School, 6510th Test Wing, Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California, from 27 June 1980 to 31 March 1982. During this period, his leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the flight test programs and training programs for the United States, and enhanced recruitment goals for the United States Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Madonna culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.