The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain [then Commander] Robert Byron Fuller (NSN: 0-542942), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 5 July 1967 as a light jet attack pilot, serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron SEVENTY-SIX (VA-76), embarked in U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31) during operations against enemy forces in North Vietnam. Captain Fuller planned and led a very successful strike against the Don Son petroleum products storage area near Haiphong. Under his skilled leadership, the strike group achieved complete surprise over the target, and delivered its bombs with devastating effect. The attack resulted in several large secondary explosions and fireballs, and left fires which were still burning hours later. By his exceptional planning skill and outstanding leadership in the air, Captain Fuller was directly responsible for the success of this mission. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain [then Commander] Robert Byron Fuller (NSN: 0-542942), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 25 April 1967 as a light jet attack pilot, serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron SEVENTY-SIX (VA-76), embarked in U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31) during operations against hostile forces in North Vietnam. As the designated leader of a ten-plane attack element of a major air-wing strike, Captain Fuller led his unit in a highly successful bombing attack against the Haiphong Ammunition Depot at Kien An, one of the most heavily defended areas of North Vietnam. He skillfully maneuvered his strike element to avoid the surface-to-air missiles fired at the strike group, and positioned his unit at its optimum roll-in point to attack the target. As Captain Fuller commenced the dive-bombing attack, his element was attacked by enemy fighter aircraft and an intense anti-aircraft artillery barrage originating in the target area. In the face of this very determined opposition, he completed a highly successful bombing attack, obtaining hits which destroyed his assigned target. By his inspiring leadership and courage under fire, Captain Fuller upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain [then Commander] Robert Byron Fuller (NSN: 0-542942), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 12 June 1967 as a light jet attack pilot, serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron SEVENTY-SIX (VA-76), embarked in U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31) during operations against enemy forces in North Vietnam. With little more than one hour in which to prepare, Captain Fuller planned, briefed, and led a highly successful strike against the important Thanh Hoa Thermal Power Plant. Greatly hampered by overcast skies and early evening shadows, he acquired the target, completed his dive in the face of heavily concentrated anti-aircraft defenses, and dropped his bombs on target, although his aircraft was struck three times during the run by ground fire. Post-strike photography revealed heavy damage to the power-plant complex. By his skilled planning, outstanding leadership, and personal courage, Captain Fuller was directly responsible for the success of this vital mission. His actions, in the face of grave danger, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain [then Commander] Robert Byron Fuller (NSN: 0-542942), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 11 June 1967 as a light jet attack pilot, serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron SEVENTY-SIX (VA-76), embarked in U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31). As a section leader in a coordinated air-wing strike against Uong Bi Thermal Power Plant near Haiphong, North Vietnam, Captain Fuller led his section in a highly effective bombing attack on his assigned target. He skillfully maneuvered his section to avoid surface-to-air missiles, moored balloons, and dense anti-aircraft artillery fire, executing a precision dive-bombing attack which inflicted severe damage to the target. Captain Fuller’s leadership, superior airmanship, and bombing accuracy in the face of heavy enemy opposition contributed materially to the success of this vital mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.