The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Richard Savage Thomas (NSN: 0-626648), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while attached to and serving with Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VA-212), embarked in U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31), in action against hostile enemy forces in North Vietnam on 25 April 1967. Engaged as section leader in the surface-to-air missile suppression division on a strike against the extremely important and well defended Haiphong Ammunition Depot, Kien An, North Vietnam, Lieutenant Commander Thomas used his thorough knowledge of enemy capabilities as well as his extensive knowledge of his own equipment to execute the most effective tactics to protect the strike group during its attack. As the flight was taking position to protect the strike group, four surface-to-air missiles were fired at the missile suppression division. Lieutenant Commander Thomas successfully evaded these missiles, and took a position to provide maximum protection to the strike group. As the strike group neared the roll-in point, Lieutenant Commander Thomas attempted to silence a radiating missile site. With outstanding courage and devotion to duty, he maneuvered into an attack position even though the enemy had launched a missile at his section of aircraft. He fired one of his weapons and was then forced to maneuver violently to avoid the oncoming missile which exploded extremely close to his section. Two more attacks were made with courageous determination in the face of two more surface-to-air missiles being fired at his section. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderBatallion:
Attack Squadron 212 (VA-212)Division:
U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31)Action Date:
June 10, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Richard Savage Thomas (NSN: 0-626648), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as the pilot of a light jet attack aircraft while attached to and serving with Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE, embarked in U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31), in action against hostile enemy forces in North Vietnam on 10 June 1967. Assigned as Section Leader on the important and hazardous mission attacking the Hanoi Thermal Power Plant, located within the city itself, Lieutenant Commander Thomas, assisted with the detailed planning necessary to insure the success of the mission. The flight proceeded to the target area and as the lead plane entered the plain surrounding the city the strike group was taken under attack by volleys of enemy surface-to-air missiles. While the leader maneuvered violently at low altitude to evade the enemy attack, Lieutenant Commander Thomas maintained perfect flight integrity. As the group approached the attack position they were forced to evade still another missile. With resolute determination, Lieutenant Commander Thomas pulled back to attack altitude and completely ignoring the now dense, anti-aircraft fire that was directed at the attack group, commenced his low altitude glide run. Concentrating solely upon his attack, despite the grave personal danger, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft to obtain a direct hit on the vital target. Recovering from the attack he quickly rejoined his leader and proceeded through the hail of enemy defenses for some 20 miles before reaching the relative safety of the mountainous terrain. His skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Richard Savage Thomas (NSN: 0-626648), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the pilot of a light jet attack aircraft while attached to and serving with Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VA-212), embarked in U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31). On 12 May 1968, Lieutenant Commander Thomas was the leader of a two plane missile suppression flight protecting a 12 plane strike group near Vinh, North Vietnam. He carefully studied the enemy defenses and planned his flight to give the strike force the best possible protection. Immediately after crossing the coastline he received indications that a missile launch was imminent. He quickly warned the other aircraft and commenced an attack on the enemy missile site, whereupon two missiles were fired at his section. Displaying exceptional courage, he pressed his attack, in the face of the onrushing missiles. After skillfully evading the missiles, Lieutenant Commander Thomas proceeded toward the missile site to attack it with air-to-ground rockets. Quickly acquiring position, he executed two devastating rocket and strafing attacks resulting in a large secondary explosion, completely immobilizing the missile site and destroying one van and a launcher. His great courage, devotion to duty and outstanding skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.