The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Robert Franklin Savage (AFSN: AF-18472466), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Illuminator Operator in Laos on 19 March 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 30 hostile supply vehicles and the creation of numerous secondary fires and explosions. Characterized by boldness and endurance in interpreting the accuracy of antiaircraft fire, as well as advising the aircrew of the necessary evasive maneuvers, he was a primary force contributing to the successful strike against the hostile supply lines. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Savage 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 Staff Sergeant Robert Franklin Savage (AFSN: AF-18472466), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Illuminator Operator in Laos on 5 February 1971. On that date he took part in an air strike directed at the fiercely defended supply routes along the notorious Ho Chi Minh Trail. Displaying exemplary courage in the face of intense and accurate antiaircraft fire encountered with each target, Sergeant Savage steadfastly performed his duties as his crew relentlessly pressed the attack. Through his actions, 33 hostile vehicles were destroyed or damaged, 19 secondary fires started, two secondary explosions ignited and large quantities of supplies destined for use against friendly forces destroyed. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Savage 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 the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Robert Franklin Savage (AFSN: AF-18472466), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Illuminator Operator in Laos on 4 February 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, he directly assisted in the damage or destruction of 30 hostile supply vehicles, the creation of 12 secondary fires and the ignition of 11 secondary explosions. Almost solely responsible for keeping the gunship safe from opposing antiaircraft guns, Sergeant Savage hung over the open ramp and literally down into the slipstream in order to better see and evaluate the hostile fire. His ability to direct the aircraft away from the incoming rounds, accuracy at marking the unfriendly gun positions for the fighter escorts and exemplary courage in maintaining his position despite extreme personal danger were directly responsible for the safe return of both gunship and crew. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Savage 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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Robert Franklin Savage (AFSN: AF-18472466), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Illuminator Operator in Laos on 14 February 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, he directly assisted in the damage or destruction of 27 hostile supply vehicles, the creation of 13 secondary fires, the ignition of eight secondary explosions, and severely damaged a hostile river boat transporting supply-laden vehicles en route to support unfriendly forces throughout Southeast Asia. Combining uncommon courage in the face of withering antiaircraft fire, firm determination to accomplish his mission and superior knowledge of his gunship’s systems, Sergeant Savage continued to perform his duties as his crew relentlessly pressed the attack. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Savage reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.