The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Robert Michael White (AFSN: 0-24589A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot near Bac Giang, North Vietnam on 1 July 1967. Numerous aircraft have been lost to the extremely intense, anti-aircraft artillery protecting this vital railroad bridge. On this date, Colonel White disregarded the intense 85-mm. flak bursting around him, delivered his ordnance with devastating accuracy and destroyed the west end and approach to this important target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel White reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Major Robert Michael White (AFSN: 0-24589A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 13 April 1960 to 7 March 1961. During this period, Major White, despite extreme hazards and unknown aircraft characteristics, flew the experimental X-15 Rocket aircraft in a series of pioneering flights to faster speeds and higher altitudes than man had ever flown, culminating in a speed of 2,905 miles per hour, and a height of 136,500 feet. Major White during these flights obtained critically needed data and technical information invaluable for future manned space flights and for use in the design of future weapons vital to national security. Major White’s distinctive accomplishments reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 to Colonel Robert Michael White (AFSN: 0-24589A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 pilot over North Vietnam on 20 June 1967. On that date, Colonel White led four F-105’s through one of the most heavily defended areas in North Vietnam to inflict heavy damage to a vital railroad classification yard. His leadership and calm judgment exhibited during this mission were exemplary in every manner. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel White reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.