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.

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.