The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Richard Allen Dutton (AFSN: 0-22497), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 8 May 1966. On that date, Major Dutton was element leader of a flight of four F-105’s striking a vital, heavily defended railroad bridge near Hanoi, North Vietnam. Despite adverse weather conditions, and confirmed and accurate ground fire, Major Dutton inflicted heavy damage on his assigned target with high explosive ordnance. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Dutton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Richard Allen Dutton (AFSN: 0-22497), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a combat aircrew member in Southeast Asia on 24 April 1966. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from unfriendly forces, Major Dutton demonstrated cool courage, undaunted determination, and superior skill in pressing home devastating air attacks against hostile positions. Persevering in the face of danger and death, he relentlessly and effectively aided in neutralizing the hostile forces. Major Dutton displayed outstanding heroism and devotion to duty and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.