(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Richard Henry McDow, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4 Weapons System Officer with the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action over Southeast Asia in 1971/1972. 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 27, 1972 – March 29, 1973
First Lieutenant Richard Henry McDow, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from June 27, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
390th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Da Nang Air Base, South VietnamAction 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 First Lieutenant Richard Henry McDow, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4 Weapons System Officer with the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action over Southeast Asia in 1971/1972. 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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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Richard Henry McDow, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel McDow culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
390th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Da Nang Air Base, South VietnamAction 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 Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Richard Henry McDow, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4 Weapons System Officer with the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action over Southeast Asia in 1971/1972. 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:
First LieutenantBatallion:
390th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Da Nang Air Base, South VietnamAction 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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Richard Henry McDow, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4 Weapons System Officer with the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action over Southeast Asia in 1971/1972. 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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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 30, 1988 – September 22, 1992
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Richard Henry McDow, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Operations Officer, 353d Fighter Squadron, Commander, 355th Fighter Squadron, and Commander, 354th Fighter Wing, Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, South Carolina, from 30 June 1988 to 22 September 1992. During this period, the professional skill and leadership of Colonel McDow resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness of United States Air Force operations. Under his guidance, the 353d and the 355th Fighter Squadrons compiled outstanding records in every endeavor, from gunnery competitions and exercises to deployment overseas in support of a real world contingency. Colonel McDow’s tactical knowledge an dedication led to safe, highly successful missions for the entire 354th Fighter Wing. As the Wing Commander, tasked with closing the chapter on flying operations at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, his involved leadership ensured the drawdown remained in focus, on schedule, and safe — all with quality and class — a picture-perfect wing drawdown. Colonel McDow also organized two Headquarters Air Force Military Personnel Center assignments team visits to ensure his personnel were taken care of. During each visit, over 1,000 enlisted personnel assignments were completed within six hours. He also ensured that over 100 pilots received fair and equitable assignments with the proper career goals in mind. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel McDow reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
390th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Da Nang Air Base, South VietnamAction 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 First Lieutenant Richard Henry McDow, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4 Weapons System Officer with the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action over Southeast Asia in 1971/1972. 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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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 1972 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Richard Henry McDow, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious service while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from June 1972 through March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.