The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Charles Angelo Lombardo (AFSN: FV-723990), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105F Electronic Warfare Officer near Bac Giang, North Vietnam, on 23 August 1967. In spite of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire, which made approach to the target extremely difficult, Major Lombardo not only proceeded to attack and destroy two gun-laying radar installations, but remained in the hostile area to render any and all possible assistance when one of his fellow airmen was downed by the deadly and accurately tracking anti-aircraft artillery fire. He did not depart the area until dangerously low on fuel and all further attempts to assist the downed airman were deemed futile. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Lombardo reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.




