The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Jerry Noel Hoblit (AFSN: 0-49879), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-105F Pilot of the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, Tuy Hoa Air Base, Vietnam, in action near Thai Ngyen, North Vietnam, on 11 March 1967. On that date, Captain Hoblit led an element of fighter-bomber aircraft in support of the Thai Ngyen Iron and Steel Plant bombing raid and discovered an active surface-to-air missile site which was a definite threat to the incoming strike forces. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Hoblit led his element through fierce anti-aircraft fire and destroyed the site, leaving it in utter ruin. This attack was accomplished against a most intense defensive barrage of anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Hoblit has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.





