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 Charles Albert Horner (AFSN: FR-63170), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief Fighter-Bomber over North Vietnam on 27 July 1965. On that date, Captain Horner participated in a strike against a surface-to-air missile site near Hanoi, North Vietnam. This was the first attack by fighter aircraft on an operational SAM site in military history, and the hazards involved cannot be overemphasized. Penetrating withering anti-aircraft fire on a low level high speed run, Captain Horner found his primary target obscured by smoke and dust from a previous attack. Reacting quickly he courageously sought out and attacked another SAM site even deeper into hostile territory. The outstanding heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Horner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
13th Tactical Fighter SquadronAction Date:
July 19, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1858 (October 28, 1967)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 Charles Albert Horner (AFSN: FR-63170), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action against an opposing armed force at Yen Bai, North Vietnam on 19 July 1967. On that date, flying an F-105F, he attacked an important railroad marshalling yard under the extremely hazardous conditions of flying in weather, at night, and at low altitude through mountainous terrain. In spite of hostile defenses of intense ground fire, constant surface-to-air missile threat, and high power search lights, he pressed the attack and placed his bombs on target. He then aggressively attacked the defenses with the aircraft 20-mm. Vulcan cannon, destroying a searchlight and gun positions. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Horner reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant GeneralAction Date:
August 5, 1990 – April 21, 1991
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 Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Charles Albert Horner (AFSN: FR-63170), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States during Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. General Horner distinguished himself as Commander, United States Air Forces Central Command, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 5 August 1990 to 21 April 1991. During this period, General Horner’s superior achievements and his dynamic leadership and initiative resulted in the resounding success of coalition air forces in the war against Iraq. General Horner brought together the largest air armada in modern aerial history and directed the preparation and training of this force to ensure it was ready to meet any challenge. His perceptive evaluation of Iraqi capabilities and vulnerabilities, innovative ideas, and newly developed tactics ensured that the superior technological advantage enjoyed by the coalition forces was maximized through the combat strategy he developed. When the execution order came to launch Operation DESERT STORM, General Horner’s coalition air forces were ready. The world saw immediate results. His well planned and executed air campaign of over 112,000 sorties allowed coalition forces, in just six short weeks, to destroy critical Iraqi targets, destroy Iraqi communications, cripple its leadership, and break the fighting spirit of the Iraqi forces. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Horner reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
August 11, 1981 – May 24, 1985
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Charles Albert Horner (AFSN: FR-63170), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Horner distinguished himself as Commander, 833d Air Division, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico; Commander, 23d North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, Tactical Air Command Air Division; and Commander, United States Air Force Air Defense Weapons Center, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, from 11 August 1981 to 24 May 1985. General Horner’s unparalleled and selfless devotion to duty has significantly enhanced the combat readiness of all strategic air defense forces. His personal concern for his people and total commitment to the Air Force mission exemplify his outstanding leadership. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Horner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
13th Tactical Fighter SquadronAction Date:
August 14, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2224 (December 11, 1967)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 Charles Albert Horner (AFSN: FR-63170), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in operations against an opposing armed force at Yen Hai, North Vietnam on 14 August 1967. On that date, Captain Horner, flying under hazardous night weather conditions, successfully completed his primary mission which resulted in the destruction of his target. Next, he deliberately maneuvered his aircraft to act as a decoy to enable a mission support aircraft to detect and destroy a surface-to-air missile radar van. He positioned his aircraft to launch heat seeking missiles into a searchlight complex destroying two searchlights. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Horner has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
GeneralAction Date:
July 1, 1992 – June 30, 1994
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-240 (June 24, 1994)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to General Charles Albert Horner (AFSN: FR-63170), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Horner distinguished himself as Commander, Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, from 1 July 1992 to 30 June 1994. During this period, General Horner demonstrated dynamic leadership, outstanding foresight, and superb managerial skill by orchestrating excellence at all levels of organization in support of the military, commercial, and civil space programs. His forceful leadership and extraordinary oversight paved the way for the successful transition of the intercontinental ballistic missile force from Air Combat Command to Air Force Space Command. He also restructured the command into two numbered air forces whose missions reflect his desire to provide timely and accurate support to the warfighter in the field and maintain a successful deterrent that has been in place for over thirty years. His visionary leadership enabled more effective and efficient support from space for United States military and civilian operations. General Horner’s many contributions to Air Force Space Command have ensured the command is structured to meet changing world conditions and the challenges of the future. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Horner culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
March 4, 1979 – August 10, 1981
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 Charles Albert Horner (AFSN: FR-63170), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander, 58th Tactical Training Wing, and Commander, 405th Tactical Training Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, and as Commander, 474th Tactical Fighter Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, from 4 March 1979 to 10 August 1981. In these important assignments, the leadership, exemplary foresight and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Horner resulted in significant contributions to tactical training as well as the successful conversion to the first fully operational, nuclear tasked F-16 wing. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Horner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.