The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain Richard Wesley Arnold (AFSN: FR-62507), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief Fighter aircraft with the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam, on 24 October 1967. On that date, Captain Arnold led his flight of four F-105 Thunderchiefs into a heavily defended target complex in the vicinity of Hanoi, coming under sustained hostile antiaircraft fire of all calibers. While maneuvering within range of 21 surface-to-air missile sites, Captain Arnold daringly made repeated attacks on surface-to-air missile sites imminently threatening the 20 bomb-laden aircraft and courageously drew the fire of 14 surface-to-air missile attacks away from them. With undaunted determination and professional skill, Captain Arnold was significantly successful in helping to prevent an aircraft loss in the strike force, and inflicted damage to at least three surface-to-air missile sites in the vicinity of Hanoi. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Arnold has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Richard Wesley Arnold (AFSN: FR-62507), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief Fighter aircraft with the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action against an isolated military target over North Vietnam on 14 October 1967. On that date, while leading an Iron Hand flight in a specially equipped F-105F Thunderchief, he successfully destroyed a key surface-to-air missile site while under attack by hostile aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, and antiaircraft artillery fie. In addition, he successfully diverted the attention of thirteen active surface-to-air missile sites from friendly aircraft striking targets in the area. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Arnold has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Captain Richard Wesley Arnold (AFSN: FR-62507), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief Fighter aircraft with the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam, on 12 December 1967. On that date, Captain Arnold exhibited the highest order of courage by prevailing over a determined MiG attack, and separate attacks on the flight by deadly surface-to-air missiles, and sustained heavy fire from numerous antiaircraft artillery and guns of all calibers. In addition to preventing at least three surface-to-air missiles from firing, he is credited with the complete destruction of a surface-to-air missile site and inflicting damage to another. Captain Arnold was instrumental in allowing all strike aircraft to bomb their target, without loss from surface-to-air missiles. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Arnold has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.