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 Frederick Wilke (AFSN: FR-20868), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1E pilot in Southeast Asia on 21 September 1967. On that date, Colonel Wilke participated in a successful large scale attack against one of the most important and heavily defended targets in Southeast Asia. With unswerving courage, determination, and complete disregard for his own personal safety, Colonel Wilke made numerous marking passes in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft artillery fire which rocked his A-1E Skyraider numerous times. Colonel Wilke’s unhesitating acceptance of peril and positive skillful action in this extremely dangerous situation resulted in heavy damage being inflicted upon the hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Wilke 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 Lieutenant Colonel Robert Frederick Wilke (AFSN: FR-20868), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1E Skyraider Pilot over North Vietnam on 3 September 1967. On that date, Colonel Wilke was flying his A-1E Skyraider in support of a search and rescue effort for a downed F-105 pilot just north of Mu Gia Pass, North Vietnam. As the rescue helicopter approached the area, Colonel Wilke’s A-1E sustained a direct hit from a thirty-seven millimeter anti-aircraft artillery position. Colonel Wilke, realizing the seriousness of the situation, remained calm and continued to suppress ground fire thereby protecting the unarmed rescue helicopter during its egress from the hostile area. Colonel Wilke’s accurate analysis of heavy battle damage, his thorough knowledge of the aircraft and its capability, and his outstanding professional airmanship resulted in the recovery of a valuable tactical aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Wilke reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.