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 with Combat “V” to Captain Robert D. Dowden, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Weapon Systems Officer in Southeast Asia on 9 December 1972. On that date, while suppressing threatening air defenses in support of fighter bomber strikes deep within hostile territory, Captain Dowden attacked and destroyed key surface-to-air missile sites which opposed the strike force. His courageous attacks, conducted at low level altitude in heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire and surface-to-air missile attacks served to draw fire away from the other friendly forces in the area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Dowden reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert D. Dowden, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Weapon Systems Officer over Southeast Asia on 8 October 1972. On that date, despite multiple surface-to-air missile launches and marginal weather conditions, Robin flight consisting of four F-4E’s destroyed an ammunition storage area fifteen miles northwest of Hanoi. Through his superior airmanship, Captain Dowden’s flight was able to acquire and strike the target, where other flights failed because of the extremely marginal weather in the area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Dowden reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Robert D. Dowden, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 combat aircrew member assigned to the 4133d Bombardment Wing (Provisional), Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on 6 September 1969. On that date, Captain Dowden flew as Navigator on a highly critical mission over Vietnam. He exhibited outstanding skill and knowledge in confidently directing his formation to the successful destruction of two important targets. His constant application of navigational skill, coordination, and judgment were significant factors in the completion of this high priority mission, Captain Dowden contributed immeasurably to the success of the Strategic Air Command’s Contingency Operation in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Dowden reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.