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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
44th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain Rowland Frank Smith, Jr., United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as an F-105 Pilot with the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia. Captain Smith’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
May 17, 1986 – December 31, 1991
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Rowland F. Smith, Jr., United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, Air Operations Officer, and Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Headquarters, Kansas Air National Guard, Topeka, Kansas, from 17 May 1986 to 31 December 1991. Colonel Smith’s efforts directly resulted in the installation of the Television Optical Scoring System at Smoky Hill Weapons Range, thereby doubling the scoring area of the range resulting in vastly improved training for the Air Force, Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve. His leadership significantly contributed to the successful implementation of concurrent training in the F-4 and F-16 weapons systems resulting in 1,100 trained aircrews from the Air Force, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve. Colonel Smith’s involvement was evidenced during the recent mobilization for Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM during which time the 190th Air Refueling Group was activated, deployed on short notice to Saudi Arabia, and was fully operational within five hours after arrival. The leadership, exemplary foresight and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Smith in these important assignments resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness of the United States Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Smith culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. 2533 (August 17, 1968)(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.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
January 1, 1984 – May 16, 1986
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 Colonel Rowland F. Smith, Jr., United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander and Commander, 184th Tactical Fighter Group, Kansas Air National Guard, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, from 1 January 1984 to 16 Mary 1986. In these important assignments, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Smith resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the 184th Tactical Fighter Group and the Air National Guard. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Smith, reflect great credit upon himself, the Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
44th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
October 27, 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 Captain Rowland Frank Smith, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Pilot leading a flight of F-105 Thunderchiefs of the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, attacking a vital military target in the vicinity of Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 27 October 1967. On that date, with his aircraft hit and burning, Captain Smith exhibited the highest order of courage as he continued to fly through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire to attack and destroy a hostile surface-to-air missile complex that was threatening a large F-105 strike force. With his aircraft still in flames, he remained in the target area while initiating rescue efforts for his downed wingman. Captain Smith then flew his crippled aircraft 300 miles to a skillful emergency landing. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Smith reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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 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 17 September 1967. On that date, Captain Smith displayed outstanding initiative and courage in pressing home a devastating air attack on a hostile surface-to-air missile complex. In spite of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Captain Smith attacked and destroyed a missile site which was threatening the main strike force. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Smith reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.