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 Richard Robert Cunningham (AFSN: FV-3103785), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller over North Vietnam on 3 September 1967. On that date, Captain Cunningham volunteered his assistance in a rescue effort of a downed fighter pilot in a known heavily defended area. While he exposed himself continuously to extremely intense hostile anti-aircraft artillery fire, he twice vectored the rescue helicopter clear of active anti-aircraft artillery sites, thereby averting sure disaster for the helicopter and its crew. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Cunningham reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Airman’s Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Airman’s Medal
Department of the Air Force, Special Orders G-116 (August 29, 1963)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Airman’s Medal to First Lieutenant Richard Robert Cunningham (AFSN: FV-3103785), United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan, on 8 November 1962. On that date, Lieutenant Cunningham was a crew member in a F-101B aircraft and during an engine check prior to take-off, an explosion occurred, followed by fire. The pilot ordered Lieutenant Cunningham to abandon the aircraft. In so doing, Lieutenant Cunningham observed that the pilot was having difficulty leaving the cockpit and, with complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Cunningham returned to the burning aircraft to assist the pilot. As the pilot jumped to the ground, he was partially caught by Lieutenant Cunningham, thereby preventing possible injury to the pilot and aiding his safe escape. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, Lieutenant Cunningham has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainRegiment:
37th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
DaNang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
August 5, 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 Richard Robert Cunningham (AFSN: FV-3103785), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller of the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action over North Vietnam on 5 August 1967. On that date, Captain Cunningham discovered two extremely lucrative and well defended targets in his reconnaissance area. Through the use of three in-flight refuelings, the Forward Air Controller team penetrated the highly defended area to direct strike aircraft against the targets until he had expended all of his fourteen marking rockets. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he repeatedly penetrated extremely intense hostile anti-aircraft artillery fire. As a result of his courageous actions, great damage was inflicted upon the hostile supply lines and their defenses. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Captain Cunningham 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:
April 2, 1967 – February 29, 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 Richard Robert Cunningham (AFSN: FV-3103785), United States Air Force, for meritorious service as an Air Liaison Officer, 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, while engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force in the Republic of Vietnam from 2 April 1967 to 29 February 1968. During this period, Captain Cunningham served in various periods of time as Maintenance Officer for the squadron detachment at Kham Duc and as Supply Officer at the Pleiku detachment. His boundless energy and attention to detail contributed immeasurably to the squadron’s successful completion of its mission. Also during this time he was chosen to write the syllabus for the ground instruction of “Commando Sabre”, a radical new concept of controlling United States Air Force Tactical Airpower in North Vietnam. His superb accomplishment of this large and significant task is indicative of the professionalism of Captain Cunningham. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Cunningham in these responsible positions reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.