The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Robert M. Bond (AFSN: AO-2225449/FR45558), United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as an F-4C Aircraft Commander of the 557th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, Vietnam, PACIFIC Air Force, in action against an opposing armed force near Vinh Loi, Republic of Vietnam, on 30 December 1968. On that date, Major Bond led a mission to prevent the escape of a large hostile force which had eluded friendly ground forces. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Major Bond made repeated passes in marginal weather conditions, through extremely intense automatic weapons fire to deliver his ordnance with devastating accuracy. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Bond has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.