The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Rowland F. Smith, Jr., United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot in North Vietnam on 13 October 1967. On that date, Captain Smith displayed outstanding aerial competence and courageous professionalism in the aggressive pursuance and acquisition of the assigned targets. The tenacity of this officer to attain the objective against formidable defenses is in accord with the highest military standards. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Smith reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Rowland F. Smith, Jr., United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Seventh Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Rowland F. Smith, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105F Wild Weasel pilot near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 6 November 1967. On that date, Captain Smith was providing surface-to-air missile suppression for a force of sixteen F-105 Thunderchiefs striking a strategic electric transformer station and a vital armored vehicle repair facility. Disregarding the heavy missile defense surrounding Hanoi, Captain Smith aggressively attacked and destroyed surface-to-air missile tracking radars and successfully bombed another mobile, well camouflaged missile site. By pre-occupying the numerous surface-to-air missile sites in the Hanoi area, he enabled the Thunderchiefs to completely destroy both of their vital targets in one mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Smith 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 Captain Rowland F. Smith, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot over Southeast Asia on 31 July 1967. On that date, flying through intense anti-aircraft fire, Captain Rowland exhibited superior initiative and courage as he pressed an attack on a hostile surface-to-air missile complex. Persevering in the face of danger he participated in the destruction of one hostile missile site while suppressing four others in providing security for a major strike force attacking a heavily defended target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Smith 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 the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Rowland F. Smith, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 12 July 1967. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from opposing forces, Captain Smith demonstrated great courage, undaunted determination and superior skill in pressing home a devastating air attack against hostile positions. Persevering in the face of danger and death, his relentless action effectively aided in neutralizing one hostile surface-to-air missile site and one anti-aircraft site. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Smith 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 Captain Rowland F. Smith, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot over North Vietnam on 6 August 1967. On that date, Captain Smith successfully attacked and destroyed two missile launcher transporters, and set off sixty secondary explosions in the target area. Persevering in the face of danger and death, he effectively aided in destroying a potential SAM site near the DMZ. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Smith reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.