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 Robert Owen Heavner (AFSN: FR-70066), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a B-57 Pilot of the 13th Tactical Bombardment Squadron, in action near Phu Vinh, Republic of Vietnam, on 20 December 1966. On that date, Captain Heavner struck a heavily defended Viet Cong base camp in the Mekong River Delta. Despite adverse weather and hostile ground fire, he continued to strike until the target was destroyed. His flawless bombing and resulting destruction of a vital hostile installation contributed significantly to the success of friendly operations. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Heavner reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
13th Tactical Bombardment SquadronAction Date:
March 15, 1968
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2882 (September 19, 1968)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 Robert Owen Heavner (AFSN: FR-70066), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as a B-57 Pilot of the 13th Tactical Bombardment Squadron, in action in Southeast Asia on 15 March 1968. On that date, Captain Heavner flew a successful night interdiction mission against hostile lines of communication and supply routes used to infiltrate men and supplies to hostile forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Despite intense antiaircraft fire directed at his aircraft, Captain Heavner repeatedly attacked a hostile convoy, destroying seven of the heavily laden vehicles, one hostile antiaircraft position and causing ten secondary fires in the target area. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Heavner has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
13th Tactical Bombardment SquadronAction Date:
April 19, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1990 (July 6, 1968)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 to Captain Robert Owen Heavner (AFSN: FR-70066), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a B-57 Pilot of the 13th Tactical Bombardment Squadron, in action near Vi Thanh, Republic of Vietnam, on 19 April 1967. On that date, Captain Heavner successfully attacked a heavily fortified hostile supply area in spite of marginal weather an intense hostile ground fire. Working under an extremely low hanging deck of clouds, Captain Heavner repeatedly exposed himself to heavy automatic weapons fire while destroying ten major structures, twelve sampans and three bunkers in addition to twelve hostile soldiers by count and an estimated ten others. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Heavner reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.