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Ralph
Francis
Wetterhahn
April 20, 1942

–

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Ralph Wetterhahn graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1963. During the Vietnam War he was credited with an aerial victory credit for destroying an enemy MiG in aerial combat. He retired in 1992 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    June 17, 1983 – May 15, 1986

    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 Ralph Francis Wetterhahn, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief, Weapons Programs Division and Deputy Director, Directorate of International Programs, Deputy Chief of Staff, Programs and Resources, Headquarters United States Air Force, Washington, District of Columbia, from 17 June 1983 to 15 May 1986. During this period Colonel Wetterhahn exercised responsibility over programs of major importance to the security of the United States’ friends and allies around the world. As Chief of the Weapons Programs Division, he worked directly with the leaders of numerous foreign air forces to ensure the development of effective and affordable force structures responsive to the self-defense needs of those nations. As Deputy to the Director of International Programs, he directly supervised the execution of the Air Force’s $64 billion security assistance program, and represented the United States Air Force around the world. In these key positions he had a direct influence on the readiness and combat capability of those nations with whom we share the collective burden of our mutual security. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Wetterhahn and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    555th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    January 2, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-191 (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 First Lieutenant Ralph Francis Wetterhahn, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Aircraft Commander of the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action deep in unfriendly territory in Southeast Asia on 2 January 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Wetterhahn flew in the lad flight of a fighter sweep to engage and destroy hostile aircraft which had been continually harassing friendly forces. Lieutenant Wetterhahn skillfully and aggressively engaged a hostile flight and maneuvered his aircraft into position from which he destroyed one of the hostile aircraft, thereby disorganizing and confusing the opposing forces. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Wetterhahn reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    555th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    October 11, 1966
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-362 (1967)

    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 First Lieutenant Ralph Francis Wetterhahn, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an F-4C Aircraft Commander of the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 11 October 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Wetterhahn was a member of a flight of three fighter aircraft on a strike mission. After receiving two direct hits from flak, Lieutenant Wetterhahn, without regard for his own personal safety, continued to the target with his aircraft on fire and delivered his ordnance on target. He egressed the area through intense, accurate ground fire. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Wetterhahn has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.