The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major Ward Kent Dodge (AFSN: FR-43924), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Pilot in the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Force, in action over North Vietnam, on 5 July 1967. On that date, Major Dodge was initiating an attack on an important target when he received a direct hit from anti-aircraft fire. Disregarding his own personal safety, he heroically continued his bombing run and placed all the ordnance on target. The condition of his aircraft then deteriorated so rapidly that he was forced to eject over unfriendly territory. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Dodge has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
357th Tactical Fighter SquadronAction Date:
May 25, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1215 (August 16, 1967)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Major Ward Kent Dodge (AFSN: FR-43924), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot with the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy in Southeast Asia on 25 May 1967. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 5, 1967 – July 12, 1967
Major Ward Kent Dodge (AFSN: FR-43924), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from July 5, 1967 until his death in captivity on or about July 12, 1967.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
357th Tactical Fighter SquadronAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Major Ward Kent Dodge (AFSN: FR-43924), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot with the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy in Southeast Asia in 1967. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
357th Tactical Fighter SquadronAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Major Ward Kent Dodge (AFSN: FR-43924), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot with the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy in Southeast Asia in 1967. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.