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 (Air Corps) Richard G. Cross, Jr. (ASN: 0-69422414492A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the Eighth Fighter Command, EIGHTH Air Force, while escorting bombers on a mission over Germany on 7 July 1944. Immediately following an attack on a large force of ME-410’s, Lieutenant Cross, flying wingman for the group leader, boldly attacked about thirty ME-109’s, which were positioning for an assault on the bombers. After this action, during which the enemy fighters were dispersed, the group leader instructed Lieutenant Cross to take over and that he would fly as his wingman. Making a vigorous attack against approximately twenty ME-410’s, he destroyed one, only to discover that he had become separated from his wingman. In spite of the odds against him, Lieutenant Cross continued to attack and destroyed a second ME-410. Following this encounter, he located his wingman and the two of them returned safely to base. By his gallantry and daring offensive tactics, Lieutenant Cross afforded excellent protection to the bomber formation.
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Awards Received
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Richard G. Cross, Jr. (ASN: 0-69422414492A), United States Air Force, was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, culminating as Commander of the Air Force Test and Evaluation Center, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, from 1974 to 1975. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Cross culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Corps)Regiment:
VIII Fighter CommandDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 8th Fighter Command, General Orders No. 84 (September 15, 1944)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 (Air Corps) Richard G. Cross, Jr. (ASN: 0-69422414492A), United States Army Air Forces, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the Eighth Fighter Command, EIGHTH Air Force, and the destruction of three enemy airplanes, and for sharing in the destruction of one enemy airplane over enemy occupied Continental Europe during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which Lieutenant Cross has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Force of the United States.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Corps)Regiment:
VIII Fighter CommandDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
July 7, 1944
Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 500 (September 27, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Richard G. Cross, Jr. (ASN: 0-69422414492A), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in VIII Fighter Command, EIGHTH Air Force, while escorting bombers on a mission over Germany, on 7 July 1944. Immediately following an attack on a large force of ME-410’s, Lieutenant Cross, flying wingman for the group leader, boldly attacked about thirty ME-109’s, which were positioning for an assault on the bombers. After this action, during which the enemy fighters were dispersed, the group leader instructed Lieutenant Cross to take over and that he would fly as his wingman. Making a vigorous attack against approximately twenty ME-410’s, he destroyed one, only to discover that he had become separated from his wingman. In spite of the odds against him, Lieutenant Cross continued to attack and destroyed a second ME-410. Following this encounter, he located his wingman and the two of them returned safely to base. By his gallantry and daring offensive tactics, Lieutenant Cross afforded excellent protection to the bomber formation. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Cross, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 27, 1966 – July 1, 1969
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 G. Cross, Jr. (ASN: 0-69422414492A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Deputy Commander for Operations, 401st Tactical Fighter Wing, Terrajjon Air base, Spain, from 27 July 1966 to 10 July 1967; as Director of Readiness Inspection, Inspector General, Headquarters United States Air Forces Europe, Lindsey Air Station, Germany, from 11 July 1967 to 14 May 1968 and as Commander, 36th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ditburg Air Base, Germany, from 15 May 1968 to 1 July 1969. During these periods, the operational concepts, philosophies and practices developed and applied as a result of Colonel Cross’ dynamic leadership, initiative and resourcefulness contributed directly to refinement and improvement of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s unilateral combat potential and capability. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Cross and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.