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 Robert Wayne Mendell, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller twelve miles southwest of Na Than, Republic of Vietnam, on 30 December 1970. On that date, while piloting an OV-10A aircraft, Captain Mendell directed tactical air operations against a high priority target in an extremely hazardous environment. Despite intense hostile ground fire and low cloud coverage in rugged, steep terrain, Captain Mendell was instrumental in the detection and destruction of the priority target and the complete disruption of the hostile force in that area. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Mendell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Robert Wayne Mendell, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 22 March 1971. On that date, Captain Mendell expended his organic ordnance in support of a long range reconnaissance team which was pinned down by a numerically superior hostile force. Despite deteriorating weather in mountainous terrain, Captain Mendell provided protective cover and directed a helicopter extraction of the friendly forces. Captain Mendell’s complete disregard for his own personal safety, in the face of automatic weapons fire, contributed immeasurably to the saving of twelve friendly lives. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Mendell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.