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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Lieutenant Colonel Robert Earl Turner (AFSN: 0-3005953), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Operations Officer, 460th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Aerospace Defense Command, from 14 September 1969 to 16 April 1971. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Turner resulted in significant contributions to the defense capabilities of the United States. With his devotion to duty and dedication to the United States, Colonel Turner creased the World-Wide Mission concept for the Aerospace Defense Command and provided the personnel and equipment with the training and capabilities to insure that this mission is a reality. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Turner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    602d Fighter Squadron (Commando)

    Division:

    Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    November 7, 1966
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-333 (March 4, 1968

    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 Major Robert Earl Turner (AFSN: 0-3005953), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1E Pilot, 602d Fighter Squadron (Commando) near Dong Hoi, North Vietnam on 7 November 1966. On that date, Major Turner participated in and directed search and rescue operations for a downed F-105 pilot. The terrain in the search vicinity was one of the most rugged and desolate areas in all of North Vietnam. Major Turner at great personal risk descended beneath a low overcast in extremely marginal visibility to search for the missing pilot. He was forced to maneuver his aircraft around treacherous cloud-obscured peaks and down narrow valleys. After thirty exhausting minutes of searching in this hazardous environment he located the pilot and directed his subsequent rescue. Major Turner’s complete disregard for his own safety, courage and superior flying skill resulted in the saving of a pilot’s life. The success of this mission, despite the most adverse natural environment, is indicative of his excellent judgment and persistence in an obviously hazardous situation. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Turner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    602d Fighter Squadron (Commando)

    Division:

    Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    January 6, 1967
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-93 (March 5, 1968)

    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 Robert Earl Turner (AFSN: 0-3005953), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an A-1E Pilot of the 602d Fighter Squadron (Commando), Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 6 January 1967 near Lima Site 36, in Laos. On that date, Major Turner diverted his flight to the immediate support of a remote but vital outpost being overrun by hostile ground forces. He descended through 2,500 feet of solid clouds in poorly mapped mountainous terrain and made repeated attacks against entrenched hostile forces. In spite of intense and accurate automatic weapons fire and repeated hits upon his aircraft, Major Turner continued his attacks until his ordnance was exhausted and fuel was critically low. His actions forced the hostile forces to break off their assault and saved the friendly forces from certain defeat. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Turner reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.