Navy Federal Credit Union

Major Allee was listed as Missing In Action following his shoot-down on December 21, 1968 and until August 17, 1979, when he was declared Killed in Action. During that period he was promoted to Colonel. His remains were subsequently identified and returned to the United States on December 23, 1996.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    354th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    355th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Takhli Royal Thai Air Base

    Action Date:

    December 21, 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 Major Richard Kenneth Allee (AFSN: 0-84263264), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot while serving with the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, in action over Southeast Asia on 21 December 1968. On that date, Major Allee was attacking an extremely important supply and storage area containing a large concentration of unfriendly forces and located in one of the most heavily defended areas of Southeast Asia. During the initial phase of his dive bombing attack, Major Allee’s aircraft sustained critical damage from lethal anti-aircraft artillery fire defending this important target. Although his aircraft was burning, he demonstrated professional dedication and exceptional valor by continuing his attack and delivering his ordnance directly on target. Knowing that his mission was now accomplished, Major Allee attempted recovery from his dive bombing attack but the severity of the damage sustained by his aircraft made recovery unsuccessful and his aircraft was observed impacting in the immediate target area. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Allee reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    354th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    355th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Takhli Royal Thai Air Base

    Action Date:

    June 21, 1968

    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 Richard Kenneth Allee (AFSN: 0-84263264), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot over North Vietnam on 21 June 1968. On that date, Captain Alee was a member of a flight of four fighter-bombers which were diverted from its briefed target to attack an extensive complex of hostile anti-aircraft artillery batteries. Captain Allee, with an outstanding display of heroism and coolness while under intense fire from approximately fifty individual gun positions, successfully delivered his ordnance directly on these batteries, silencing and destroying at least four of the lethal weapons. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Allee reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    354th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    355th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Takhli Royal Thai Air Base

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1968

    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 Richard Kenneth Allee (AFSN: 0-84263264), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot over North Vietnam on 15 July 1968. On that date, Captain Allee flew in support of a rescue operation initiated to recover a pilot who was shot down over North Vietnam on the previous day, initial rescue efforts had been unsuccessful because of the heavy defenses in the area. Upon arrival in the recovery area, Captain Allee attacked and destroyed lethal anti-aircraft artillery sites which were threatening the rescue aircraft. As a result of his outstanding aerial performance the downed pilot was finally recovered safely. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Allee reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.