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 Richard A. Nagel, Jr. (AFSN: 0-3087719), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a C-123 Pilot of the 19th Air Commando Squadron, in action at Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam, on 26 November 1966. On that date, Captain Nagel’s aircraft was struck by intense, accurately directed hostile fire which caused an uncontrollable fire in the cargo compartment, rendered the flap system inoperative, and partially disabled the landing gear mechanism. Although blinded by smoke and on the verge of collapse from intense heat and fumes, Captain Nagel remained undaunted. As the fire engulfed the cargo compartment, passengers began to crowd the cockpit of the aircraft hampering his ability to maneuver the aircraft. Demonstrating superb airmanship and a profound regard for his fellow man, Captain Nagel continued to fly the crippled aircraft and executed a crash landing. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Nagel reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
April 1985 – September 1987
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel Richard A. Nagel, Jr. (AFSN: 0-3087719), United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service as Deputy Director, Reserve Components National Security Course, External Programs Directorate, National Defense University, Washington, D.C., from April 1985 to September 1987. Colonel Nagel was responsible for innovative improvements in the planning, administration, and conduct of a highly significant program for the professional development and mobilization readiness of senior Reserve Component officers of all services and for the effective integration of this critical program into the National Defense University outreach program. He expanded the curriculum, automated the course enrollment, administration, and academic schedule, and added an Executive Skills Development phase to provide greater academic and professional rigor. Colonel Nagel’s efforts resulted in quantum increases in the depth and breadth of Reserve Component knowledge of national security issues and materially increased the National Defense University’s contribution to national mobilization readiness. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Nagel culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 29, 1979 – June 26, 1981
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 Richard A. Nagel, Jr. (AFSN: 0-3087719), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander for Operations and Base Commander, 71st Flying Training Wing, Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, from 29 June 1979 to 26 June 1981. During this period, Colonel Nagel’s professional expertise in all facets of both the operations and support functions, his superlative leadership ability, and his innovative management techniques significantly enhanced the successful accomplishment of the undergraduate pilot training mission. Personal attributes of integrity, dedication, and a genuine concern for all personnel inspired and sustained superior performance and esprit de corps of the wing. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Nagel reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
19th Air Commando SquadronAction Date:
November 6, 1966
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 A. Nagel, Jr. (AFSN: 0-3087719), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-123 Aircraft Commander at Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam on 6 November 1966. On that date, Captain Nagel displayed great determination, superior airmanship, and courage in flying an extremely hazardous night combat re-supply mission of desperately needed 105-mm. howitzer ammunition for friendly units heavily engaged in combat against unfriendly forces during “Operation ATTLEBORO.” On three different sorties that night, Captain Nagel undauntedly braved intense hostile ground fire and the numerous hazards associated with night time operations into a 30 foot wide airfield hacked out of dense, towering jungle to deliver the direly needed ammunition. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Nagel reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.