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 with Combat “V” to Major Wayne N. Whatley (AFSN: 0-43750), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over Southeast Asia on 18 August 1966. On that date, Major Whatley was a member of a flight of three F-105’s engaged in bombing a heavily defended surface-to-air missile site. By exhibiting extraordinary flying ability and great personal courage in the face of intense hostile fire, Major Whatley was successful in placing his ordnance on target and contributed greatly to the objectives of his country. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Whatley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Air Force Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
34th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
June 30, 1966
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-310 (October 28, 1966)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Major Wayne N. Whatley (AFSN: 0-43750), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an F-105 aircraft of the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 30 June 1966. On that date, Major Whatley led a flight of four F-105 aircraft against an extremely heavily defended petroleum, oil, and lubricant storage complex in North Vietnam. By exhibiting extraordinary flying ability, leadership qualities, and personal bravery in the face of intense hostile fire, Major Whatley successfully struck the assigned target, thus contributing greatly to the objectives of his country. Although sustaining hits on his aircraft, Major Whatley, disregarding his personal safety, stayed with his downed wingman and directed a successful rescue operation. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Whatley reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
34th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
September 30, 1965
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 Major Wayne N. Whatley (AFSN: 0-43750), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a pilot over North Vietnam on 30 September 1965. On that date, Major Whatley was assigned the destruction of a vital target deep within hostile territory and defended by heavy concentrations of anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles. Major Whatley displayed expert airmanship and professionalism by delivering his ordnance directly on the target achieving optimum results. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Whatley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
34th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Wayne N. Whatley (AFSN: 0-43750), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.