The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Major Robert Edwin Brinckmann (AFSN: FR-42991), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot near Hanoi, North Vietnam on 21 August 1966. On that date, while piloting a specially equipped F-105, Major Brinckmann led a flight in support of a large strike force. In spite of heavy ground fire, and a surface-to-air missile attack which damaged his aircraft and scattered his flight, Major Brinckmann single handedly continued the attack and destroyed the surface-to-air missile site. This courageous and aggressive action significantly enhanced the safety and effectiveness of the main strike force. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Brinckmann reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.