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 with Combat “V” to Captain Rudolph Ulrich Zuberbuhler (AFSN: FV-3120127), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Aircraft Commander near Hanoi, North Vietnam on 26 June 1972. On that date, Captain Zuberbuhler flew a mission deep into North Vietnam to lay down a radar screening chaff corridor to provide protection to a follow-on strike force from surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft guns. In the face of an intense and well coordinated defense of anti-aircraft guns, surface-to-air missiles and hostile aircraft, Captain Zuberbuhler performed with calm precision and professional ability to lay down a chaff corridor exactly as planned thus enabling the strike force to attack and destroy the target with minimum reaction from North Vietnamese defenses. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Zuberbuhler reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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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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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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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 the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Rudolph Ulrich Zuberbuhler (AFSN: FV-3120127), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as the pilot of an F4C in Southeast Asia on 22 October 1965. On that date, Lieutenant Zuberbuhler flew a strike mission against a railroad bridge and tracks, that were a vital link in transportation for the hostile forces. In spite of unfavorable conditions, mountainous terrain, adverse weather, and intense and accurate hostile fire, Lieutenant Zuberbuhler destroyed 100 feet of track and caused much damage to the area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Zuberbuhler reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
August 23, 1987 – July 31, 1991
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 Rudolph Ulrich Zuberbuhler (AFSN: FV-3120127), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director of Command and Control, Rome Laboratory, Rome Laboratory, Air Force Systems Command, Griffiss Air Force Base, New York, from 23 August 1987 to 31 July 1991. As Director, Colonel Zuberbuhler provided exemplary leadership, management and strategic vision in directing a multi-million dollar, research, development, and acquisition program which is critical to current and future Air Force combat capabilities. The achievements of the Command and Control Directorate, the esprit and productivity of the professional research force, and the fighting effectiveness of the Air Force have all been significantly enhanced through his inspiration and ceaseless efforts. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Zuberbuhler culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Rudolph Ulrich Zuberbuhler (AFSN: FV-3120127), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Aircraft Commander over North Vietnam on 8 June 1972. On that date, Captain Zuberbuhler flew a high priority mission in support of a strike force that attacked and destroyed a barracks and storage area. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Zuberbuhler flew into the target area despite numerous surface-to-air missiles, intense anti-aircraft fire, and numerous hostile aircraft, and accurately laid down a chaff corridor for the incoming friendly aircraft. Captain Zuberbuhler displayed the highest degree of professionalism and made the mission a total success by greatly reducing the radar capability of hostile defenses. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Zuberbuhler reflect 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:
September 12, 1972 – March 29, 1973
Captain Rudolph Ulrich Zuberbuhler (AFSN: FV-3120127), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 12, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 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 Major Rudolph Ulrich Zuberbuhler (AFSN: FV-3120127), United States Air Force, for meritorious service while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 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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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 to First Lieutenant Rudolph Ulrich Zuberbuhler (AFSN: FV-3120127), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F4C Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 16 August 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Zuberbuhler was flying as number four in a flight of four F4C’s assigned to strike a vital hostile petroleum storage area in a highly defended area. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Zuberbuhler continued the attack in the face of intense defenses to deliver ordnance on the target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Zuberbuhler reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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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 Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Rudolph Ulrich Zuberbuhler (AFSN: FV-3120127), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4 Aircraft Commander over North Vietnam on 15 August 1972. On that date, Captain Zuberbuhler led a flight of four F-4 Phantom Aircraft which was part of a force tasked to dispense a chaff corridor from an Initial Point to the target in order to provide radar shielding for a follow-on strike force. After beginning their chaff run, the force was engaged by enemy aircraft, however, Captain Zuberbuhler, in the face of extreme danger, continued his mission and constructed the valuable chaff corridor. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Zuberbuhler reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.