Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Russell A. Starkman (AFSN: FV-3039485), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam, on 2 August 1967. On that date, Major Starkman was an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot in a flight of four aircraft charged with suppressing hostile surface-to-air missile attacks against major friendly air strike forces. With complete disregard for personal safety, intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire and the threat of multiple surface-to-air missile attacks, Major Starkman’s flight attacked and destroyed or severely damaged three missile sites. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Starkman has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    May 20, 1967

    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 Russell A. Starkman (AFSN: FV-3039485), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a combat aircrew member in Southeast Asia, on 20 May 1967. On that date, while participating in a surface-to-air missile and target area flak suppression flight, Major Starkman demonstrated courage and undaunted determination in pressing an attack upon a vital hostile logistical target. His superior skill aided in effectively placing ordnance accurately on the target, rendering it useless to the hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Starkman reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    June 30, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-1668 (October 11, 1967)

    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 Russell A. Starkman (AFSN: FV-3039485), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a combat aircrew member in Southeast Asia, on 30 June 1967. On that date, Major Starkman demonstrated courage, undaunted determination, and superior skill in the face of danger while pressing an attack upon a hostile complex. He placed his ordnance accurately on the target, causing destruction which completely neutralized any further threat to friendly forces from the offending position. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Starkman reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    June 22, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-1303 (August 22, 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 Russell A. Starkman (AFSN: FV-3039485), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a combat aircrew member in Southeast Asia on 22 June 1967. On that date, while participating in a surface-to-air missile suppression flight and while experimenting with new tactics, Major Starkman demonstrated courage, undaunted determination, and exceptional skill in avoiding intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire while decoying surface-to-air missile fire away from vulnerable friendly forces striking adjacent hostile targets. Although sustaining damage to his aircraft Major Starkman was eminently successful in continuing to provide protection for the friendly strike forces until they had egressed from the high missile threat area. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Russell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.