The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Richard H. Amos (MCSN: 0-90764), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Marine All Weather Attack Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE (VMA(AW)-533), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against the enemy. On the night of 18 December 1967, Captain Amos launched as Bombardier/Navigator aboard an A-6 Intruder aircraft assigned a radar bombing mission against the Nam Dinh Army Barracks located thirty miles south of Haiphong, North Vietnam. In order t o reduce the effectiveness of the enemy’s radar, he directed his pilot to descend to an altitude of 500 feet and, despite repeated malfunctions of his navigational equipment, located the planned entry point on the coast of North Vietnam. Skillfully navigating the aircraft along the southern edge of the enemy’s radar controlled defenses, Captain Amos provided the pilot with accurate information which enabled him to maneuver at high speed and low altitude toward the target area. Approaching the objective undetected, the aircraft gained altitude and the pilot delivered his ordnance on the target as planned. Suddenly, the aircraft came under intense enemy anti-aircraft fire which effectively blocked the intended escape route. Skillfully employing his complex electronic equipment, Captain Amos directed his pilot in maneuvering the aircraft around the enemy anti-aircraft fire concentrations and, utilizing electronic countermeasures equipment, succeeded in disengaging from the enemy’s defenses. Captain Amos’ courage, exceptional technical ability and steadfast devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

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 Captain Richard H. Amos (MCSN: 0-90764), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Marine All Weather Attack Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE (VMA(AW)-533), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against the enemy. On the night of 10 January 1968, Captain Amos launched as Bombardier/Navigator aboard an A-6 Intruder aircraft assigned a radar bombing mission against the vital Coi Trai Railroad Bridge complex located eighteen miles south of Hanoi, North Vietnam, an area known to contain numerous medium and heavy caliber anti-aircraft systems and formidable surface-to-air missiles. When an equipment malfunction rendered his navigational systems useless and forced him to rely on radar and dead reckoning, he skillfully provided his pilot with accurate information which enabled him to maneuver at high speed and low altitude toward the target area. Immediately after crossing the coast of North Vietnam, his aircraft came under intense enemy radar controlled anti-aircraft fire. Disregarding the heavy volume of fire, he ably employed his radar systems and resolutely continued to provide his pilot with accurate navigational data. Skillfully vectoring the aircraft on an attack heading, he quickly computed final bomb release data which enabled his pilot to deliver his ordnance with unerring accuracy, resulting in a large secondary explosion. His superb airmanship and resolute determination inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in the accomplishment of the hazardous mission. Captain Amos’ courage, superior professional skill and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.