The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Robert M. Krone (AFSN: FR-44771), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 31 May 1966. On that date, Major Krone was the leader of a flight of F-105’s assigned to destroy an extremely vital and heavily defended military storage complex located on the main railroad line from Red China to Hanoi, North Vietnam. Despite extremely adverse conditions, reduction by half of his force due to aircraft malfunctions, intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, and the ever-present SA-2 missile threat, he led his flight to the total destruction of his assigned target. He also directed helicopters into an area 10 miles from the target for the rescue of a downed pilot. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Krone 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 with Combat “V” to Major Robert M. Krone (AFSN: FR-44771), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 8 May 1966. On that date, Major Krone was the leader of a flight of four F-105’s striking a vital, heavily defended railroad bridge near Hanoi, North Vietnam. Despite adverse weather conditions, confirmed and accurate ground fire, and attack of opposing aircraft, Major Krone inflicted heavy damage on his assigned target with high explosive ordnance. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Krone 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 with Combat “V” to Major Robert M. Krone (AFSN: FR-44771), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 pilot over North Vietnam on 31 January 1966. On that date, Major Krone participated in a strike against a vital target heavily defended by anti-aircraft batteries. In spite of extremely marginal weather conditions, utilizing airborne radar for letdown, navigation and target area acquisition, and in the face of intense hostile ground fire, the target was destroyed. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Krone reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.