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 Captain Robert Lawrence Grete (AFSN: 0-49854), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller with the 23d Tactical Air Support Squadron, 504th Tactical Air Support Group, SEVENTH Air Force, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, directing fighter aircraft in Southeast Asia on 26 December 1967. On that night, he voluntarily and at great personal risk, flew far into hostile territory to an area strongly defended by multiple anti-aircraft artillery positions to seek out and destroy a hostile truck convoy. Outmaneuvering heavy anti-aircraft fire with his unarmed aircraft, his aggressiveness and skill as a Forward Air Controller resulted in the destruction of three anti-aircraft positions and tons of vital supplies destined for use against friendly forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Grete has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-3443 (November 6, 1968)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 Captain Robert Lawrence Grete (AFSN: 0-49854), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia, on 6 July 1968. On that date, Captain Grete’s behavior was fundamental to the effort culminating in the successful evacuation of a friendly ground team from deep within hostile territory. Despite the hazardous conditions of adverse weather in mountainous terrain and hostile troops, he was successful in securing the safety of the team and in obtaining urgently needed intelligence information. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Grete reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
23d Tactical Air Support SquadronRegiment:
504th Tactical Air Support GroupDivision:
Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
May 30, 1968
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2735 (September 3, 1968)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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Robert Lawrence Grete (AFSN: 0-49854), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller of the 23d Tactical Air Support Squadron, 504th Tactical Air Support Group, SEVENTH Air Force, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, directing fighter aircraft in Southeast Asia, on 30 May 1968. On that day, he contributed significantly to the successful rescue of a fellow airman who had been downed by hostile anti-aircraft fire. During the rescue, Captain Grete’s observation aircraft was hit by ground fire on two separate occasions and his front engine was completely disabled. Despite the fact that he was deep within unfriendly territory and his aircraft was badly damaged, Captain Grete refused to leave the scene of the rescue until his fellow comrade’s rescue was assured. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Grete has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.