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 Colonel Reginald James Clizbe (ASN: 0-23155), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Wing Commander of a Formation of B-26 type attack bombers over enemy held territory in North Korea on 14 August 1951. The mission was to destroy the headquarters and a large supply depot in the North Korean Capitol of Pyongyang. Due to the large number of aircraft briefed to hit targets in the adjacent area, it was imperative that the split second timed schedule be strictly adhered to. The formation which Colonel Clizbe was commanding had been briefed to hit the target at 1800 hours. While still a considerable distance from the target area, it was obvious to Colonel Clizbe that unfavorable winds were going to materially affect the time over the target. With this in mind, Colonel Clizbe was able to lead his formation of bombers over a different route to the target, to insure that the pre-briefed target time would be met. By his leadership and aid, the formation was able to rendezvous with friendly fighters and proceed over the target exactly at the pre-briefed time. At this time approximately all of the bombs dropped by the formation were observed to hit in the target area. Later photographs taken of the area showed that maximum damage had been inflicted upon the enemy Capitol. After the bombing attack, the formation commanded by Colonel Clizbe returned to its home base, following the most flak-free route possible. For this reason all of the formation was able to return safely to base. By his sterling qualities of leadership and by his devotion to duty, Colonel Clizbe reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Soldier’s Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelRegiment:
452d Bombardment WingAction Date:
Korean War
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Reginald James Clizbe (ASN: 0-23155), United States Air Force, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Deputy Commanding Officer and Commanding Officer of the 3d Bombardment Wing and 452d Bombardment Wing, during the Korean War. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelRegiment:
452d Bombardment WingAction Date:
December 24, 1950 – January 2, 1951
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 152 (April 10, 1951)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Reginald James Clizbe (ASN: 0-23155), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Deputy Commanding Officer and Commanding Officer of the 3d Bombardment Wing and 452d Bombardment Wing, in Korea, from 24 December 1950 to 2 January 1951. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Clizbe reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Regiment:
47th Bombardment Group (L)Division:
12th Air ForceAction Date:
February 22, 1943
Headquarters, Northwest African Strategic Air Force, General Orders No. 144 (July 23, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Reginald James Clizbe (ASN: 0-23155), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot of an A-20 Light Bomber in the 47th Bombardment Group (Light), TWELFTH Air Force, in action against an armed enemy in the North African Theater of Operations. On 22 February 1943, Major Clizbe volunteered to lead a flight of two unescorted A-20’s on a low-level attack against a concentration of enemy tanks and vehicles on the Thela Road. As he crossed the enemy lines his aircraft was badly damaged and one engine completely shot out by anti-aircraft fire. Displaying gallantry over and above the call of duty, he continued on through rain squalls and restricted visibility over mountainous territory until he located his target. In the face of intense ground fire, he then bombed and strafed the convoy from an altitude of fifty feet, throwing the column into confusion and causing great destruction to enemy vehicles and personnel. His outstanding valor and devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Regiment:
47th Bombardment Group (L)Division:
12th Air ForceAction Date:
January 30, 1943
Headquarters, XII Air Support Command, General Orders No. 18 (May 19, 1943)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Reginald James Clizbe (ASN: 0-23155), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot of an A-20 Light Bomber in the 47th Bombardment Group (Light), TWELFTH Air Force, in action against an armed enemy in North Africa. On 30 January 1943, Major Clizbe’s Squadron was assigned the task of attacking, at minimum altitude, a group of enemy armored forces just east of Faid Pass. These forces were deployed in two separate groups approximately a mile apart, one being Northeast and the other Southeast of the pass. In spite of heavy enemy anti-aircraft and small arms fire, Major Clizbe led his flight over the pass at minimum altitude attacking the Southern most concentration with machine gun and demolition bombs and then turned North and delivered a vicious attack against the Northern grouping of armored vehicles, diving squarely in the face of their anti-aircraft and small arms fire to drop his bombs and strafe the enemy. Because of his resolution and daring and the skill with which he led these attacks, Major Clizbe and his flight severely damaged and/or destroyed many enemy armored vehicles, and killed and/or injured many enemy personnel. By his courage in service of an especially hazardous nature, Major Clizbe has served the Armed Forces of his country gallantly and well, and has exemplified the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
July 1964 – August 1966
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General Reginald James Clizbe (ASN: 0-23155), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director of Operations, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, Headquarters, United States Air Force, from July 1964 to August 1966. During this period, the forceful leadership, exceptional ability and dedicated efforts of General Clizbe were displayed in numerous nationally significant accomplishments which contributed immeasurably to the operational capability of the Air Force and the defensive strength of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Clizbe and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelRegiment:
452d Bombardment WingAction Date:
January 3, 1951 – February 10, 1952
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Reginald James Clizbe (ASN: 0-23155), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Bombardment Wing and 452d Bombardment Wing, in Korea, from 3 January 1951 to 10 February 1952. Colonel Clizbe was charged with the responsibility of directing the vitally important night interdiction missions of the wing. His vast knowledge of night combat and extensive military experience enabled him to lead the wing to accomplishments which markedly influenced the conduct of the Korean campaign. Colonel Clizbe’s organizational ability enabled him to successfully accomplish his assigned missions and promote the highest standards of efficiency despite seeming insurmountable obstacles of personnel and materiel shortages during extended combat operations. His thorough understanding of management methods enabled him to establish performance standards and control procedures which permitted constant surveillance over all phases of the wing’s activities. Under his capable direction the wing achieved a high level of efficiency, and made a vital contribution in the success of the United Nations effort in Korea. By his outstanding devotion to duty and his exceptional professional knowledge and skill, Colonel Clizbe brought great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Air Force.
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Soldier’s Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelRegiment:
Royal Air Force StationDivision:
Sculthorpe, EnglandAction Date:
October 30, 1958
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Colonel Reginald James Clizbe (ASN: 0-23155), United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, on 30 October 1958, at Royal Air Force Station, Sculthorpe, England. On that date, an individual, without warning, went berserk and lodged himself in a building containing high explosives. With complete disregard for his own safety, Colonel Clizbe entered the building and attempted to reason with him. With an outstanding display of courage, patience and understanding, Colonel Clizbe succeeded in persuading the victim to surrender his weapon. Colonel Clizbe’s efforts prevented possible serious injury to other personnel in the immediate area. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Colonel Clizbe reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Reginald James Clizbe (ASN: 0-23155), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Clizbe and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Batallion:
85th Bombardment SquadronRegiment:
47th Bombardment GroupDivision:
12th Air ForceAction Date:
February 22, 1943
Headquarters, 12th Air Force, General Orders No. 248 (November 25, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Reginald James Clizbe (ASN: 0-23155), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of an A-20 type aircraft of the 85th Bombardment Squadron, 47th Bombardment Group, TWELFTH Air Force. On 22 February 1943, Lieutenant Colonel Clizbe led a six plane formation in an attack upon a concentration of enemy armored vehicles in Kasserine Pass, Tunisia. Displaying great courage and superior leadership as he skillfully maneuvered through an overcast and intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire upon the approach to the target, Lieutenant Colonel Clizbe’s precision-directed run over the objective enabled his bombers to score direct hits destroying or damaging many vehicles and inflicting a large number of casualties upon personnel. His outstanding proficiency in combat and steadfast devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.