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 Major Robert Moulton Blocher (AFSN: FR-29001), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an F-100 aircraft and as a Forward Air Controller of the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, Phu Cat Air Base, directing air strikes over North Vietnam on 11 September 1967. On that date while directing air strikes on a surface-to-air missile site and its associated defenses, Major Blocher repeatedly exposed himself to heavy barrages of hostile anti-aircraft artillery fire while marking targets for nine flights of strike aircraft. Major Blocher with undaunted determination, indomitable courage, and professional skill made repeated marking passes against the hostile positions with devastating results. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Blocher has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorAction Date:
November 20, 1967 – March 31, 1968
Headquarters, Pacific Air Force, Special Order G-1442 (May 16, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Major Robert Moulton Blocher (AFSN: FR-29001), United States Air Force, for meritorious service as Air Operations Officer, Current Operations, Current Operations, Headquarters, 37th Tactical Fighter Wing, in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in operations against an opposing armed force from 20 November 1967 to 31 March 1968. During this period, Major Blocher, using selective management techniques, developed and promulgated scheduling policies, procedures, and forms for use by all scheduling agencies within the Wing. His technical knowledge of related fields and his unique analytical abilities were instrumental in the development of new methods for measuring the effectiveness of the Wing’s combat capability which resulted in reduced dud, not operationally ready for supply items, and short rates. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Blocher in this responsible position reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Headquarters, Pacific Air Force, Special Order G-463 (February 12, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Major Robert Moulton Blocher (AFSN: FR-29001), United States Air Force, for meritorious achievement as Project Coordinator and Operations Officer, Commando Sabre Operation, Thirty-Seventh Tactical Fighter Wing, in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in operations against an opposing armed force from 17 July 1967 to 8 September 1967. During this period, Major Blocher supervised the development of his unit from an unproven tactical concept to a highly successful daily operation. Through his keen perception into the staff function and tactical operations, he developed policies, procedures, and flight tactics for operating in heavily defended areas of North Vietnam. This contributed greatly to the success of the unit mission and the safety of his fellow pilots. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Blocher in this responsible position reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, Pacific Air Force, Special Order G-2319 (December 22, 1967)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 Major Robert Moulton Blocher (AFSN: FR-29001), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100F Forward Air Controller over North Vietnam on 28 July 1967. On that date, Major Blocher heard the distress call of a pilot whose aircraft had been hit by opposing anti-aircraft artillery and who was forced to eject over hostile territory. Using his intimate knowledge of the area, Major Blocher proceeded directly to the scene, initiated the Search and Rescue operation, and directed the recovery of the downed aircrew. His extraordinary judgment and superior airmanship enabled him to effect the rescue of the incapacitated pilot in an absolute minimum of time, in spite of severe weather conditions, an extremely low fuel state, and the further threat of hostile fire. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Blocher reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.