Navy Federal Credit Union

In all, FIVE Air Force Crosses were awarded for heroism on this date , the first of many attacks on the Paul Doumer Bridge. The five Air Force Cross recipients were: Lieutenant Colonel James McInerney, Colonel Robin Olds, Lieutenant Colonel Harry Schurr, Captain Fred Shannon, and Colonel Robert White.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    469th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    August 12, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-12 (January 2, 1968)

    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 with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Harry W. Schurr (AFSN: 0-41901), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot over North Vietnam on 12 August 1967. On that date, Colonel Schurr led a flight of four F-105 Thunderchiefs against the vital assigned railroad and highway bridge in North Vietnam. Assigned a flak suppression role, Colonel Schurr overcame four surface-to-air missiles and intense hostile ground fire that damaged five aircraft in the force, to deliver his ordnance with pinpoint accuracy. His flight was credited with destroying four active flak sites while avoiding any collateral damage. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Schurr reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    469th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    August 11, 1967

    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-427 (November 30, 1967)

    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 Lieutenant Colonel Harry W. Schurr (AFSN: 0-41901), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as commander of a strike force of twenty F-105 Thunderchiefs of the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action against a heavily defended target in North Vietnam on 11 August 1967. On that date, though intense, accurately directed hostile fire had damaged his aircraft prior to reaching the target, Colonel Schurr, with undaunted determination, indomitable courage, and professional skill, led the strike in a devastating attack against a key railroad and highway bridge. One span was destroyed and others heavily damaged. As a result, the flow of war materials into this area was appreciably reduced. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the hostile force, Colonel Schurr has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    469th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    June 30, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1192 (August 13, 1967)

    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 the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Harry W. Schurr (AFSN: 0-41901), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief of the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam, on 30 June 1967. On that date, Colonel Schurr led a flight on a strike against North Vietnam’s largest steel mill. Despite intense hostile anti-aircraft fire, he delivered his bombs accurately on the target. Although his aircraft received a hit from the fire, he continued his mission and later flew cover for rescue forces attempting to pick up a downed pilot. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Schurr has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    469th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    July 13, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1417 (September 11, 1967)

    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 Lieutenant Colonel Harry W. Schurr (AFSN: 0-41901), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight over North Vietnam on 13 July 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Colonel Schurr led a flight of F-105 Thunderchiefs on a strike against the Thai Ngyen Thermal Power Plant deep into North Vietnam. Despite withering anti-aircraft fire Colonel Schurr courageously led his flight in an attack that resulted in great devastation to the target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Lieutenant Colonel Schurr has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Harry W. Schurr (AFSN: 0-41901), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    469th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    July 29, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1986 (November 13, 1967)

    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 Lieutenant Colonel Harry W. Schurr (AFSN: 0-41901), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 29 July 1967. On that date, Colonel Schurr attacked and destroyed a vital complex area in North Vietnam. Despite marginal weather conditions, heavy concentrated anti-aircraft fire, and surface-to-air missile launches, he delivered his ordnance precisely on target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Schurr reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    469th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    September 18, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-2202 (December 9, 1967)

    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 Lieutenant Colonel Harry W. Schurr (AFSN: 0-41901), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 18 September 1967. On that date, Colonel Schurr, as flight leader, navigated his flight of four aircraft over a complete undercast to suppress the anti-aircraft artillery batteries that defended a railroad causeway. Colonel Schurr skillfully maneuvered his flight into position, despite the high altitude artillery that was bursting about him, and delivered his ordnance on active anti-aircraft batteries that were beginning to pound the following strike force. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Schurr reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.