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 Billy George Dornberger (AFSN: FR-3018895), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Flight Leader over North Vietnam on 5 July 1972. On that date, Colonel Dornberger, flying as leader of a fighter escort under hazardous weather conditions, and despite anti-aircraft artillery, surface-to-air missiles and MiG fighter attacks, defended and controlled the force he was escorting, making possible the total destruction of a high priority target in the most heavily defended area of North Vietnam. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Dornberger reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
December 21, 1972
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders GB-0394 (March 28, 1973)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 Billy George Dornberger (AFSN: FR-3018895), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force over North Vietnam on 21 December 1972. On that date, while leading a two ship flight of F-4E aircraft providing hostile aircraft protection for a strike force consisting of two strike flights and a surface-to-air missile suppression team, Colonel Dornberger completed his assigned mission despite having sustained battle damage to his aircraft, heavy defensive reactions by anti-aircraft guns, surface-to-air missiles and hostile interceptor aircraft, and adverse weather. His efforts resulted in heavy damage to one target and destruction of another. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Colonel Dornberger has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel Billy George Dornberger (AFSN: FR-3018895), United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service while serving as Deputy Chief, Command and Control Branch, Operations Division, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, from June 1978 through June 1981. In this critical post, Colonel Dornberger’s initiative and innovative thinking significantly influenced every aspect of command and control system planning in Allied Command Europe. His pervasive insights resulted in unparalleled improvements and brought future operational requirements into clear focus. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Dornberger reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
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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 Billy George Dornberger (AFSN: FR-3018895), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia on 24 July 1972. On that date, Colonel Dornberger, with complete disregard for personal safety, led a flight of F-4 fighter aircraft on a bomber escort mission deep into one of the most heavily defended areas of North Vietnam. Despite the threat of hostile surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft artillery, and hostile aircraft, Colonel Dornberger provided effective defensive direction and protective cover for the bomber strike force, insuring maximum damage to a high priority target and a safe return of all aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Dornberger reflect 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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Billy George Dornberger (AFSN: FR-3018895), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 9 October 1972. On that date, despite extremely intense anti-aircraft artillery fire, darkness, and marginal weather conditions, Colonel Dornberger attacked and destroyed a re-supply convoy inside the Democratic Republic of North Vietnam. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Colonel Dornberger effected multiple passes against the target, destroying five trucks and resulting in four large secondary explosions, three large sustained fires and multiple medium and small fires. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Dornberger reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.