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 Thomas Simpson (AFSN: FR-3154228), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an EB-66 Electronic Warfare Officer over Southeast Asia on 16 February 1971. On that date, while providing essential electronic countermeasures support for an extremely important heavy bomber strike mission, his unarmed aircraft was attacked by a surface-to-air missile. After directing successful evasive maneuvers, he resumed his assigned orbit and continued to provide support until the bomber aircraft had safely egressed the target area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Simpson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 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 Captain Richard Thomas Simpson (AFSN: FR-3154228), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious service while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 1972 to 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.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 18, 1972 – March 29, 1973
Captain Richard Thomas Simpson (AFSN: FR-3154228), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 18, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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 with Combat “V” to Captain Richard Thomas Simpson (AFSN: FR-3154228), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Electronics Warfare Officer near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 18 December 1972. On that date, while engaged in one of the largest conventional bombing raids ever amassed in the recent history of aerial warfare, Captain Simpson received significant battle damage to his aircraft as the result of extremely heavy hostile fire. Captain Simpson and his crew were in quest of massed supplies, communications equipment, and transportation lines in order to eliminate the aggressor’s capacity to initiate an offensive. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Simpson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.