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 Rich Gloster Thompson, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller of the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, Chu Lai Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 31 July 1970. On that date, Captain Thompson flew in support of a friendly unit in contact with a numerically superior opposing force. Disregarding his own personal safety, he directed tactical air assets and made numerous passes over the enemy while under heavy hostile fire, until the hostile force was completely routed. This courageous action was a prime factor in the saving of friendly lives. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Thompson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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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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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
20th Tactical Air Support SquadronDivision:
Chu Lai Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
December 27, 1970
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 Richard Gloster Thompson, Jr., United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving as a Forward Air Controller and Pilot with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, Chu Lai Air Base, South Vietnam, in action at Ha Thanh, Republic of Vietnam, on 27 December 1970. On that date, Captain Thompson flew in support of friendly forces. Despite heavy anti-aircraft 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 Thompson has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
20th Tactical Air Support SquadronDivision:
Chu Lai Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
August 31 – September 4, 1970
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-0173 (January 21, 1972)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 Captain Rich Gloster Thompson, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller and Pilot of the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, Chu Lai Air Base, South Vietnam, in action near the village of Nghia Hyanh, Republic of Vietnam, from 31 August 1970 to 4 September 1970. During that period, while piloting an OV-10A aircraft, Captain Thompson flew eight combat missions in support of friendly units who had come under intense attack by a superior numbered hostile force. He directed close air support missions, heavy artillery, and helicopter gunship operations against opposing heavy caliber automatic weapons, mortar positions, and reinforced bunker and trench positions. Throughout the five day operation, Captain Thompson performed continuously in an aggressive, professional manner, undaunted by the extremely hazardous environment. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Thompson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
20th Tactical Air Support SquadronDivision:
Chu Lai Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
December 30, 1970
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-0106 (January 12, 1972)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 Rich Gloster Thompson, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller and Pilot of the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, Chu Lai Air Base, South Vietnam, in action twelve miles southwest of Ha Thanh, Republic of Vietnam, on 30 December 1970. On that date, acting as instructor pilot and aircraft commander in an OV-10A aircraft, Captain Thompson 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 Thompson 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 Thompson 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:
September 4, 1984 – January 31, 1989
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 Rich Gloster Thompson, Jr., United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 895, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Washington, from 4 September 1984 to 31 January 1989. As the commander, he greatly improved the quality of the unit training program. His inspiring, dynamic leadership resulted in his detachment being recognized as one of the top within Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. Colonel Thompson’s positive influence will reflect upon Detachment 895 for years to come. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Thompson 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.