The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Nicholas J. Donelson (AFSN: 0-3118140), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-105 pilot of the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action over North Vietnam on 29 August 1967. On that date, Captain Donelson assumed command en route to the target when the Force Commander aborted due to aircraft difficulties. In spite of adverse weather, surface-to-air missiles and intense anti-aircraft fire, Captain Donelson led the attack, destroying numerous pieces of rolling stock and inflicting severe damage to the rail yard. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Donelson has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Air Force Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
34th Tactical Fighter SquadronAction Date:
August 23, 1967
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 Nicholas J. Donelson (AFSN: 0-3118140), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 pilot of the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action over North Vietnam on 23 August 1967. On that date, Captain Donelson was the mission commander for a force of thirty-two aircraft attacking a heavily defended rail yard in the vicinity of Hanoi. Repeated attacks against his force by hostile aircraft destroyed two friendly aircraft, and the intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire downed a third and severely damaged a fourth. In spite of this intense opposition, Captain Donelson, at great personal risk, led his force to the target and pressed the attack, inflicting severe damage to the rail yard and destroying a large amount of rolling stock. Captain Donelson’s firm leadership, timely decisions, and professional competence in the face of intense opposition resulted in the successful accomplishment of this extremely hazardous mission. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Donelson reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Nicholas J. Donelson (AFSN: 0-3118140), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
34th Tactical Fighter SquadronAction Date:
June 27, 1967
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 Nicholas J. Donelson (AFSN: 0-3118140), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 27 June 1967. On that date, Captain Donelson flew a flak suppression mission in support of an attack on the Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel Complex. With complete disregard of the SA-2 missiles launched at him and despite the heavy anti-aircraft fire, Captain Donelson silenced a battery of 85 millimeter guns, thereby reducing the hazard for his fellow pilots. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Donelson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
34th Tactical Fighter SquadronAction Date:
July 7, 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 Captain Nicholas J. Donelson (AFSN: 0-3118140), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 7 July 1967. On that date, Captain Donelson led his flight against the Kep Airfield and dealt it a crippling blow despite adverse weather and intense ground fire. Departing the target area he led his flight on a search and rescue operation of a downed pilot until darkness necessitated it be discontinued. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Donelson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.