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 Frederick Seebode, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action as a Forward Air Controller in connection with Operation Guu Long 22, with the Seventh Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, and Advisory Team 75 (USA), in the republic of Vietnam on 12 May 1966. On that date, elements of the Seventh Division were pinned down by a superior hostile force. Captain Seebode directed flights of fighters on the hostile forces with precision to within 35 meters of the friendly forces. After he had expended his marking rockets, he flew over the hostile positions dropping smoke grenades from his aircraft window. After he ran out of smoke grenades, he descended his unarmed O-1 spotter aircraft diving directly into the hostile fire and gallantly made low passes over the hostile forces marking their exact locations by the position of his own aircraft . With complete disregard for his personal safety, through intense .50 caliber and light automatic weapons fire, he persevered in his heroic actions marking the hostile targets by the position of his aircraft on these low passes until no more fighter aircraft were immediately available. After refueling and rearming with smoke grenades, he returned to the battle and continued to direct fighters in close air support and marking targets for armed helicopters. Captain Seebode flew six hours in support of the friendly forces and directed 19 sorties of fighters against the hostile forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Seebode has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-578 (June 18, 1966)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 Frederick Seebode, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Vinh Kim, Dinh Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam on 16 December 1965. On that date, Captain Seebode was called to assist Regional Forces troops and their United States Army Advisors who were pinned down just outside the District Compound by hostile fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Seebode directed fighter aircraft on the hostile forces, braving intense antiaircraft fire. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty of Captain Seebode reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-517 (1966)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Thomas Frederick Seebode, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near the town of Cai Lay, Dinh Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 15 March 1966. On that date, a small outpost had been attacked and a Forward Air Controller was needed to assist the defenders and find and destroy the retreating hostile forces. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Seebode dived his unarmed spotter aircraft toward the target into a hail of ground fire that included fifty caliber and other light automatic weapons fire in order to make the exact location of the concealed weapons. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Seebode reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.