Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
David
Curtis
Bockelman
October 17, 1939

–

Home:

Lincoln

, 

Nebraska

David Bockelman graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1962. He retired in 1988 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    19th Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Division:

    Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    November 2, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force (PACAF), Special Orders No. G-523 (February 17, 1968)

    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 David Curtis Bockelman (AFSN: FR-63749), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as a Forward Air Controller and O-1E Pilot of the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, in action near Loc Ninh, Republic of Vietnam, on 2 November 1967. After being scrambled, he arrived over a unit under heavy attack. Although his aircraft began receiving intensive anti-aircraft fire, he successfully directed the destruction of the hostile positions and prevented a planned hostile rocket attack. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Bockelman 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:

    19th Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Division:

    Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    May 11 & 12, 1967

    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 David Curtis Bockelman, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller and O-1E Pilot of the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, in action at Phouc Vinh, Republic of Vietnam, on 11 May and 12 May 1967. On those nights when Phouc Vinh was attacked by hostile mortar and recoilless rifle fire, Captain Bockelman left the shelter at the height of the attack and once airborne, controlled artillery, an AC-47 flare aircraft, and tactical support aircraft against the hostile positions. Due to his action the attack was halted with only minor damage to the air strip. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Bockelman reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    June 4, 1984 – June 30, 1988

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel David Curtis Bockelman, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Director, Defense Satellite Communications System Program Office, and as Assistant Deputy for Acquisition Logistics, Space Division, Air Force Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, from 4 June 1984 to 30 June 1988. During this period, Colonel Bockelman’s vision, dedication and intelligence contributed greatly to nationally vital space interests. His strong leadership in attaining new launch capability and maintaining satellite health immensely improve America’s space communications posture for the future. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Bockelman culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.