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 Robert James Sandvick (AFSN: FR-47755/19466973), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-105 aircraft of the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action near Kep Airfield, North Vietnam, on 7 August 1966. On that date, Captain Sandvick was the pilot of the lead F-105 of a two-ship hunter-killer team assigned to patrol the heavily defended Kep Airfield in search of hostile surface-to-air missile sites. Despite encountering adverse weather and heavy hostile defenses, Captain Sandvick courageously pressed the attack with complete disregard for his personal safety. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Sandvick has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Robert James Sandvick (AFSN: FR-47755/19466973), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period from 7 August 1966 to 15 August 1966, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. Lieutenant Colonel Sandvick resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.