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 Captain Richard Logan Francis (AFSN: FV-3179196), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force deep within hostile territory as an F-4D Weapons Systems Officer of the 523d Tactical Fighter Squadron, attached to the 432d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Force, on 27 June 1972. On that date, Captain Francis led a flight of four F-4 Phantoms on an extremely hazardous and important strike support mission over Hanoi, North Vietnam. This mission required that Captain Francis lead his flight on a precise and non-maneuvering course over Hanoi, despite all hostile defenses that might be encountered. With complete disregard for personal safety, Captain Francis led his flight through intense barrages of anti-aircraft fire and lethal fields of aerial balloon mines, until his aircraft was suddenly struck down by a Surface-to-Air missile. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Francis has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Prisoner of War Medal
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 27, 1972 – March 28, 1973
Captain Richard Logan Francis (AFSN: FV-3179196), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from June 27, 1972 until his release on March 28, 1973.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
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 Richard Logan Francis (AFSN: FV-3179196), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer deep within hostile territory on 6 June 1972. On that date, Captain Francis participated in an extremely hazardous combat air patrol mission to defend an important strike force in North Vietnam. Although extremely low on fuel, he elected to remain and support another flight actively engaged with hostile interceptors. Without regard for his personal safety, he remained on station until the friendly fighters were safely out of hostile territory and then, as he was attempting to depart the area, narrowly escaped a lethal surface-to-air missile which struck his leader down. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Francis reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 27, 1972 – March 28, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain Richard Logan Francis (AFSN: FV-3179196), United States Air Force, for meritorious achievement in action against an armed enemy of the United States. His loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.