The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Obadiah A. Dugan (AFSN: FR-263837), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Pilot of the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 11 August 1967. On that date, Colonel Dugan led a flight of four Thunderchiefs on a highly significant strike mission that resulted in the destruction of the largest and most important railroad/highway bridge in North Vietnam. Colonel Dugan courageously led his flight through multiple concentrations of surface-to-air missiles, MiG aircraft and bursting flak to insure that all bombs would impact on the bridge. When his number three man sustained a hit, Colonel Dugan selflessly turned back into the intense flak barrage to provide directions and escort his crippled flight member to safety. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Dugan has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force./