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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain Richardson Hiller Crook (AFSN: FR-58545), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Forward Air Controller with the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, directing fighter aircraft, near Song Be, Republic of Vietnam on 25 November 1967. On that date, Captain Crook, with complete disregard for his own life, continually exposed himself to intense anti-aircraft and automatic weapons fire while directing fighter aircraft against a hostile force that had attacked a small compound harboring one friendly company. Captain Crook made repeated low passes and dove again and again through heavy ground fire to identify and mark targets for the supporting aircraft. As a result of his aggressive and heroic actions, the friendly company was saved from certain annihilation by the vastly superior hostile force. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Crook has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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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 the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Richardson Hiller Crook (AFSN: FR-58545), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Forward Air Controller near Phuoc Qua, Republic of Vietnam, on 27 October 1967. On that date, Captain Crook was scrambled under marginal weather conditions in support of a friendly force under extremely heavy ground attack by a vastly superior hostile force in regimental strength. His complete disregard for his own personal safety, and his aggressive heroic actions under extremely hazardous conditions saved a friendly force from certain annihilation. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Crook reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
19th Tactical Air Support SquadronAction Date:
September 25, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2198 (December 9, 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 Richardson Hiller Crook (AFSN: FR-58545), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, in action near Song Be, Republic of Vietnam, on 25 September 1967. On that date, Captain Crook repeatedly braved intense automatic weapons and small arms fire as a Forward Air Controller in an O-1 aircraft against a hostile force of battalion strength which had completely surrounded and viciously attacked a small friendly village. His complete disregard for his own personal safety, and his aggressive heroic actions under extremely hazardous conditions, saved the friendly troops and local populace from certain annihilation. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Crook has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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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 Captain Richardson Hiller Crook (AFSN: FR-58545), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 4 February 1968. On that date, Captain Crook was scrambled at 0400 hours under marginal weather conditions in support of a friendly force under heavy ground attack by a numerically superior hostile force. His complete disregard for his own personal safety, and his aggressive heroic actions under extremely hazardous conditions saved a friendly force from certain annihilation. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Crook reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
19th Tactical Air Support SquadronAction Date:
November 29, 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 Richardson Hiller Crook (AFSN: FR-58545), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Forward Air Controller with the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, directing fighter aircraft, near Bo Dop, Republic of Vietnam on 29 November 1967. On that date, Captain Crook, with complete disregard for his own life, continually exposed himself to intense anti-aircraft and automatic weapons fire while directing aircraft against a hostile regiment that attacked a friendly camp. His brave and aggressive actions saved the allied forces from being overrun and resulted in a disastrous defeat for the hostile force. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Captain Crook has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainAction Date:
May 1, 1967 to April 6, 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 Captain Richardson Hiller Crook (AFSN: FR-58545), United States Air Force, for meritorious service while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia from 1 May 1967 to 6 April 1968. During this period, he consistently demonstrated his professional ability, sound judgment, and great enthusiasm to overcome the many involved problems associated with countering aggression. His superb performance and significant contributions assisted materially in the success and effectiveness of United States military operations in Southeast Asia. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Crook reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.