Navy Federal Credit Union

Byron Theurer graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1961. He retired in 1978 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    23d Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Division:

    Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    April 19, 1966

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-778 (September 27, 1966)

    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 Byron William Theurer, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force over Southeast Asia on 19 April 1966. On that date, Captain Theurer was flying wingman in a flight of two O-1F’s aircraft deep in unfriendly territory when the lead aircraft was shot down by anti-aircraft fire. Immediately, Captain Theurer called for rescue and fighter pilots on the situation and directed the fighters on repetitive air strikes to suppress the found fire and afford an opportunity for the rescue aircraft to reach the downed pilot. Although his aircraft had barely enough fuel to reach friendly territory, Captain Theurer elected to remain on station over the downed aircraft until he had completely briefed the incoming fighter pilots and his forward air controller relief on the current hostile situation. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Theurer has reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    23d Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Division:

    Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    May 7, 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 to Captain Byron William Theurer, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller of the 23d Tactical Air Support Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia on 7 May 1966. On that date, Captain Theurer discovered a well-camouflaged truck on a main supply route in the Cricket area of operations. Because of poor weather it was impossible to direct fighter aircraft to the area, however, Captain Theurer successfully destroyed the vehicle using his white phosphorus marking rockets. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Theurer reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.