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.
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Awards Received
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Air Force Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelBatallion:
602d Tactical Fighter Squadron (Commando)Division:
Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
January 16 & 17, 1968
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Colonel Robert Frederick Wilke (AFSN: FR-20868), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an A-1E Skyraider pilot of the 602d Tactical Fighter Squadron (Commando), Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action on 16 and 17 January 1968. On these dates, Colonel Wilke participated in the successful combat recovery of two downed aircrew members and commanded an effort to recover two other downed pilots. The latter attempted recovery required a penetration of and flight beneath an extremely low overcast condition. With complete disregard for his own safety, Colonel Wilke executed a slow spiral maneuver into the cloud formation, broke out beneath the overcast, and initiated his search in mountainous terrain with extremely limited air space. As he was conducting this low-level search in a heavily defended hostile environment, intense ground fire was being directed toward his aircraft and resulted in his being shot down over hostile territory. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Colonel Wilke reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
602d Tactical Fighter Squadron (Commando)Division:
Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
September 3, 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 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.