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 Robert W. Smith (AFSN: FR-20881), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 5 November 1967. On that date, Colonel Smith led a section of eight F-105 aircraft on a combat support mission. He delivered his ordnance on Phuc Yen Airfield which resulted in severe damage to the runway. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel 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 Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Robert W. Smith (AFSN: FR-20881), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a F-105 Pilot near Hanoi, North Vietnam on 24 October 1967. On that date, Colonel Smith led his element of the initial raid of the Phuc Yen Airfield, one of the major strikes conducted in North Vietnam. Although over sixteen surface-to-air missiles were fired at the force, and anti-aircraft fire was so intense that both he and his wingman received battle damage, Colonel Smith pressed the attack with such determination that his ordnance was precisely delivered on target and three large explosions and fires resulted. The attack resulted in the destruction of at least five hostile aircraft and much supporting military equipment dealing a heavy blow to the North Vietnamese Air Force. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel 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 Lieutenant Colonel Robert W. Smith (AFSN: FR-20881), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 pilot over North Vietnam on 17 October 1967. On that date, Colonel Smith delivered his ordnance directly on the assigned target in spite of very heavy anti-aircraft fire. He pressed his attack after witnessing three aircraft, in the preceding flight, go down in flames, and although his own aircraft was buffeted violently by the bursting anti-aircraft fire, Colonel Smith dropped his bombs with unerring accuracy. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Smith reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.