Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Richard W. Yocca, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Weapon Systems Officer near Ban Ban, Laos on 6 May 1973. On that date, Captain Yocca planned and flew a visual reconnaissance mission to determine the location of suspected enemy gun positions along the roads leading out of North Vietnam. Despite anti-aircraft ground fire, Captain Yocca obtained excellent photography providing higher headquarters with much needed intelligence information. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Yocca reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    December 27, 1972

    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Richard W. Yocca, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Weapon Systems Officer near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 27 December 1972. On that date, Captain Yocca led a high priority mission assigned to obtain bomb damage assessment of seven targets in the heavily defended Hanoi area. Undeterred by intense hostile reaction, Captain Yocca achieved complete coverage of all targets and provided higher headquarters with vital intelligence data. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Yocca reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.