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 Colonel Walter Charles Deppish, Jr. (AFSN: FR-26028), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, Configuration Management Directorate, Deputy for A-10, Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, from 26 August 1974 to 31 August 1978. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Deppish resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the A-10 Close Air Support Weapon System Program. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Deppish culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect 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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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-1448 (September 19, 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 Walter Charles Deppish, Jr. (AFSN: FR-26028), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an O-1A Pilot and Forward Air Controller Advisor in Southeast Asia on 22 February 1967. On that date, Major Deppish was flying with a friendly forces observer to control two flights of A-1H aircraft against a fortification of bunkers. Despite marginal weather with a 2,000 foot overcast, and only three miles visibility, Major Deppish disregarded his personal safety to mark a machine gun emplacement with rockets, and later with hand dropped smoke grenades when his rockets failed. Twice more he flew directly over the machine gun emplacement to mark the position for a second flight of A-1 aircraft which arrived after sunset. Because of his courageous determination an automatic weapons and nearby structure were destroyed, along with its crew of four. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Deppish reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-171 (January 16, 1968)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 Walter Charles Deppish, Jr. (AFSN: FR-26028), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an O-1A Pilot and Forward Air Controller advisor near Hoi An, Republic of Vietnam, on 24 March 1967. On that date, Major Deppish was diverted to control an immediate combat support mission while returning from an air cover mission for Vietnamese Operation Quyet Than 896. Despite the fact his fuel supply was almost exhausted, he elected to remain and control two flights of A-1 aircraft. Unable to fire his marking rockets, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Major Deppish repeatedly flew his vulnerable 0-1 aircraft over hostile anti-aircraft positions to draw their fire which revealed their positions. The pin-point control of the fighter aircraft by Major Deppish contributed to destroying the crew-served and automatic weapons, allowing the friendlies to continue their advance with light casualties. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Deppish has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.