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 Russell Dumas Brewington, Jr. (AFSN: FR-23852/AO-709885), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, directing fighter aircraft in Southeast Asia on 13 September 1967. On that date, Colonel Brewington came to the aid of the 39th Army of the Republic of Vietnam Ranger Battalion which was being assaulted by a regiment of the 2d North Vietnamese Army Division under cover of low, overcast conditions and darkness. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Colonel Brewington made repeated low passes over known anti-aircraft gun positions in order to expose them to fighter aircraft. His heroic actions while directing ordnance deliveries onto the insurgents’ positions turned a near defeat into victory and saved numerous lives. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Brewington has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Russell Dumas Brewington, Jr. (AFSN: FR-23852/AO-709885), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller on 1 March 1967. On that date, while on a mission in support of a joint ARVN/USMC operation, Colonel Brewington detected a well-armed hostile force in fortified positions preparing to flank the friendly units. Although faced with continuous moderate to heavy ground fire, extremely adverse weather conditions, and very poor terrain features, he directed sixteen fighter sorties against the insurgents and their positions, eliminating them as an effective force and preserving the integrity of the friendly units along that flank. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Brewington reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-802 (June 6, 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 with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Russell Dumas Brewington, Jr. (AFSN: FR-23852/AO-709885), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Hoi An, Republic of Vietnam, on 29 March 1967. On that date, Colonel Brewington was scrambled at first light to provide air support to an Army of the Republic of Vietnam Ranger Battalion which was under heavy attack. Upon arrival in the Target area, Colonel Brewington encountered low attendant weather and an extremely heavy ground fire. Despite these hazards, he first directed an AC-47 attack followed by fighter aircraft upon the insurgents’ position, inflicting heavy casualties upon the hostiles. Throughout this mission, Colonel Brewington fearlessly detected the insurgents’ position and directed the attacks in complete disregard for his own safety. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Brewington reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
October 15, 1966 – September 1, 1967
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders G-197 (October 31, 1967)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 Lieutenant Colonel Russell Dumas Brewington, Jr. (AFSN: FR-23852/AO-709885), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Air Liaison Officer and Deputy Director, I Corps Direct Air Support Center, Republic of Vietnam, from 15 October 1966 to 1 September 1967. In these important assignments, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Brewington resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the United States Air Force in countering insurgency in Southeast Asia. Through his incorporating an inter-service schedule and reporting procedure and a night visual reconnaissance program with a hand-held camera system, major advancements in the reconnaissance program were achieved. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Brewington reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.