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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert Royce Rivers (MCSN: 0-94467), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN (VMA-211), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 April 1969, Captain Rivers launched as Wingman in a flight of two A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned the mission of providing close air support for a United States Army unit that had located an enemy stronghold and observed numerous hostile soldiers. Arriving over the designated area, Captain Rivers established an orbit over the target while another flight delivered its ordnance, and then maneuvered his aircraft down through the broken cloud cover to observe the enemy positions and receive a situation briefing. After the hostile target was marked by the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne), Captain Rivers was informed that the friendly unit was approximately one hundred meters from the target and precise ordnance delivery of one bomb at a time would be necessary. Skillfully coordinating the attack with his section leader, he unhesitatingly launched his initial tactical run, releasing his first bomb upon the enemy position with pinpoint accuracy. Following the first successful run, the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) moved the flight to within seventy-five meters of the friendly unit, and the flight then made another bombing pass, during which Captain Rivers dropped his ordnance directly on the hostile emplacements. Directed to drop 500 pound bombs at a greater distance from the friendly unit, Captain Rivers delivered his ordnance precisely as directed, enabling the friendly unit to subsequently overrun the area. As a result of his flight’s devastating attack, the enemy sustained heavy casualties and twelve large structures were destroyed. Captain Rivers’ courage, exceptional aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Attack Squadron 211 (VMA-211)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    March 21, 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Robert Royce Rivers (MCSN: 0-94467), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN (VMA-211), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 21 March 1969, the Chu Lai Air Base came under a heavy volume of hostile rocket fire. One round struck an aircraft fully armed with rockets and 500 pound bombs, causing it to burst into flames which rapidly ignited nearby aircraft and an adjacent bomb storage area. Reacting instantly, First Lieutenant Rivers fearlessly raced into the disaster area and commenced fighting the fires. Although repeatedly knocked to the ground by the concussion of exploding ordnance and, continually exposed to the searing heat, he steadfastly remained at the dangerous site as he assisted in moving A-4 Skyhawks to positions of relative safety. Despite sustaining painful burns, he resolutely continued his determined efforts until all undamaged aircraft had been moved to protected locations. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in preventing the destruction of twenty-two aircraft. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Rivers greatly minimized the effectiveness of the enemy attack and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.