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 Rial D. Lowell (AFSN: FV-2228156), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 30 May 1967. On that date, Major Lowell flew through a hail of hostile fire and engaged hostile MiG aircraft en route to a high priority target. He was required to drop his bombs in a diving attack through marginal weather conditions, but placed his bombs directly on their mark. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Lowell 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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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
469th Tactical Fighter SquadronAction Date:
July 28, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-10 (January 2, 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 Rial D. Lowell (AFSN: FV-2228156), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action over North Vietnam on 28 July 1967. On that date, Major Lowell led his flight into the target despite extremely marginal weather and intense hostile ground fire that damaged one aircraft in the force. Braving the threat of MiG interceptors and surface-to-air missiles, he placed his ordnance directly on target severely damaging the yard and its rolling stock. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Lowell 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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Rial D. Lowell (AFSN: FV-2228156), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot over North Vietnam on 10 July 1967. On that date, Major Lowell flew his heavily loaded F-105 Thunderchief through thunderstorms and extremely adverse weather conditions to attack a target deep in hostile territory. Despite low cloud cover which restricted navigation and obscured the target, he bombed with pinpoint accuracy resulting in 100% target destruction. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Lowell 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 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Rial D. Lowell (AFSN: FV-2228156), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 2 June 1967. On that date, Major Lowell struck a major railroad yard in North Vietnam under intensive flak conditions. In spite of the intensive fire, Major Lowell positioned his aircraft perfectly throughout the high speed, steep dive bomb pass. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Lowell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.