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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Robert Wayne Mendell, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from March 1987 to May 1989. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Mendell culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2452 (August 5, 1971)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 Robert Wayne Mendell, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force at Na Thanh, Republic of Vietnam, on 27 December 1970. On that date, Captain Mendell flew in support of friendly forces. Despite heavy antiaircraft fire and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he expended his organic ordnance and directed tactical air assets in the complete destruction of a hostile force. His courageous action aided immeasurably to the saving of friendly lives. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Mendell has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 13, 1984 – February 18, 1987
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Robert Wayne Mendell, 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 as Air Operations Officer, Europe/North and Deputy Director for Regional Plans and Policy; and Chief, War and Mobilization Planning Division, Deputy Directorate for Planning, Director of Plans; and as Assistant Director for Joint and National Security Council Directorate, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, Headquarters, United States Air Force, Washington, District of Columbia, from 13 June 1984 to 18 February 1987. In these important positions the keen insight, judgment, and dedicated efforts of Colonel Mendell were significantly displayed. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Mendell and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.