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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Captain Jack Wesley Bright, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-26 Attack Aircraft Pilot with the 609th Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 11 February 1969. On that night, Captain Bright made repeated dive bomb attacks and flew successful flak suppression for another strike aircraft despite very accurate defensive heavy and medium antiaircraft fire. His tenacious aggressiveness resulted in three trucks destroyed, one truck damaged, twelve secondary fires and one antiaircraft position silenced. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Bright reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    609th Special Operations Squadron

    Division:

    Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    February 13, 1969
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1131 (March 22, 1969)

    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 Jack Wesley Bright, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 609th Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 13 February 1969. On that night, while flying as an A-26 Aircraft Pilot, Captain Bright made repeated low level strikes on a hostile truck convoy in the face of known superior antiaircraft fire. Operating at night over rugged terrain and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Bright succeeded in destroying five hostile trucks, silencing one antiaircraft position and flying flak suppression for another strike aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Bright has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.