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 Major Thomas E. Dayton (AFSN: 0-29982), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot of the 22d Special Operations Squadron, 56th Special Operations Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, in action in Southeast Asia, on 8 October 1969. On that date, Major Dayton was scrambled on a Search and Rescue mission for two American pilots and a combat air photographer downed over a classified position in Southeast Asia. Braving intense and accurate hostile fire which struck his A-1 aircraft in numerous places, Major Dayton inflicted severe damage to the opposing force. His efforts in directing the rescue mission resulted in the successful recovery of all three survivors. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Dayton has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
22d Special Operations SquadronAction Date:
February 7, 1970
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Thomas E. Dayton (AFSN: 0-29982), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot in Southeast Asia on 7 February 1970. On that date, Major Dayton was launched on a Search and Rescue mission for two American aircrew members downed deep in hostile territory. He rendezvoused with the rescue helicopters and provided the protective cover necessary for two successful pickups. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Dayton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
22d Special Operations SquadronAction Date:
December 11, 1969
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-2882 (June 27, 1970)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 Major Thomas E. Dayton (AFSN: 0-29982), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot in Southeast Asia on 11 December 1969. On that date, he led a flight that made a night strike against the hostile infiltration route to South Vietnam. Despite the fierce anti-aircraft fire, his flight was able to destroy five trucks and inflict severe damage to the defenses along the route. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Dayton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
22d Special Operations SquadronAction Date:
October 6, 1969
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-5148 (December 16, 1969)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Thomas E. Dayton (AFSN: 0-29982), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 pilot in Southeast Asia on 6 October 1969. On that date, he participated in a Search and Rescue mission for two transport helicopters shot down deep in hostile territory. His accurate and timely delivery of ordnance not only protected the surviving crew and passengers, but also provided covering fire for the rescue helicopters, thus insuring the success of the operation. The professional manner in which Major Dayton performed this mission is a tribute to his ability as an airman. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Dayton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 20, 1981 – December 31, 1982
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Thomas E. Dayton (AFSN: 0-29982), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander, 40th Tactical Group, Aviano Air Base, Italy, from 20 July 1981 to 31 December 1982. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Dayton resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the 40th Tactical Group. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Dayton culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
22d Special Operations SquadronAction Date:
December 5 – 7, 1969
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-320 (May 8, 1970)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 Major Thomas Edmond Dayton (AFSN: 0-29982), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot of the 22d Special Operations Squadron, in action in Southeast Asia, from 5 December 1969 to 7 December 1969. On those dates, Major Dayton exerted all the courage and flying skill at his disposal in a fiercely opposed attempt to rescue a fellow airman from one of the most heavily defended areas in Southeast Asia. During the first two days of this largest search and rescue mission attempted in Southeast Asia, Major Dayton escorted helicopters into the search area on four separate occasions. Despite intense hostile fire during low altitude and slow speed required in this protective role, he repeatedly attacked hostile positions throughout the valley. Designated On-Scene Commander on the third day, Major Dayton continued his heroic rescue efforts with great vigor and determination despite the fact that fifteen previous attempts had failed, and with full knowledge that each return would again place his life in jeopardy. Notwithstanding these tremendous obstacles, Major Dayton persisted in his efforts, with the realization that the successful application of airpower would be the deciding factor. During the final rescue attempt, Major Dayton had to hold an orbiting position over the survivor to divert air strikes away from the survivor’s position. Braving hundreds of rounds of hostile fire during these three days, Major Dayton took control of the recovery operation at its lowest ebb and heroically challenged and mastered this successful, unparalleled rescue mission. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Major Dayton reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
August 1, 1980 – July 2, 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 Thomas E. Dayton (AFSN: 0-29982), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, The United States Logistics Group, Detachment 193, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, from 1 August 1980 to 2 July 1981. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty of Colonel Dayton enabled Incirlik Air Base to overcome numerous complex problems. He was instrumental in enhancing the overall readiness of the base and the United States Air Forces in Europe. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Dayton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.