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 Thomas W. Floyd, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 18 December 1972. On that date, Captain Floyd, flying in an electronically equipped and armed F-4C aircraft, repeatedly attacked and neutralized multiple anti-aircraft and surface-to-air missile sites in support of a bomber force striking targets in the vicinity of Hanoi, North Vietnam. Despite great risk to his own aircraft, Captain Floyd continued to engage all opposing hostile air defenses in the target area until the bomber force had completed its mission and exited the area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Floyd 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
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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 Captain Thomas W. Floyd, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Aircraft Commander near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 26 December 1972. On that date, Captain Floyd braved intense surface-to-air missile and anti-artillery fire in order to provide surface-to-air missile suppression for a heavy bomber force striking targets in the Hanoi area. Despite the threat of multiple surface-to-air missile launches, Captain Floyd repeatedly attacked firing sites and neutralized their hold on the bomber force. In order to afford optimum coverage on three surface-to-air missile sites, Captain Floyd positioned his aircraft over an active enemy airfield time and again, disregarding the imminent danger of hostile air-to-air engagements. These daring tactics enabled Captain Floyd to kill one surface-to-air missile site and suppress another. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Floyd reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force..
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Silver Star
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 Captain Thomas W. Floyd, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 20 December 1972. On that date, Captain Floyd, as Aircraft Commander, exhibited exceptional courage and skill while protecting a large bomber force against target area defenses near Hanoi, North Vietnam. Negating attacks by enemy aircraft, surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery, Captain Floyd insured a successful strike despite the many hazards involved. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Floyd 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 with Combat “V” to Captain Thomas W. Floyd, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 22 December 1972. On that date, while escorting a heavy bomber force attacking strategic targets deep in North Vietnam, Captain Floyd successfully attacked numerous surface-to-air missile sites opposing the strike force. His courageous and timely attacks made in the face of extremely heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire, surface-to-air missile launches, hostile aircraft attacks and marginal weather aided the strike force to reach their targets and successfully complete their mission. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Floyd reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.