The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Richard S. Robertson, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE, Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 21 March 1969, Major Robertson launched as Section Leader of a flight of two A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to provide close air support for a unit of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam that was assaulting a large Viet Cong force occupying a fortified hilltop position northwest of Chu Lai. Arriving over the designated area, he contacted the Marine Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) and was informed that the proximity of friendly and enemy positions would require precise ordnance delivery. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Major Robertson immediately commenced a series of determined attacks against the hostile emplacements and came under a heavy volume of enemy fire. Disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly maneuvered his Skyhawk through the intense hostile fire during four bombing and strafing runs, delivering his ordnance upon the enemy fortifications with devastating effectiveness. His bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his flight’s accounting for fifteen hostile soldiers killed and eighteen bunkers destroyed Major Robertson’s courage, exceptional aeronautical ability and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.