Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Cary
Victor
Sandstrum
March 19, 1942

–

Home:

Winfield

, 

Kansas

Cary Sandstrum graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1964. He retired in 1984 as a U.S. Air Force Major.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    433d Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    May 14, 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 Cary Victor Sandstrum (AFSN: FR-78897), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 433d Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 14 May 1968. On that date, Captain Sandstrum was flying an armed reconnaissance mission when he was diverted to attack an active surface-to-air missile site. Despite withering ground fire, heavy barrages of anti-aircraft artillery fire, the surface-to-air missile site itself and marginal weather, Captain Sandstrum continued to attack the site until it was destroyed. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Sandstrum has reflected 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:

    433d Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    October 6, 1968
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-3961 (December 19, 1968)

    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 Cary Victor Sandstrum (AFSN: FR-78897), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 433d Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 6 October 1968. On that date, Captain Sandstrum located and heavily damaged a hostile force’s staging area in the panhandle of North Vietnam despite intensive, accurate anti-aircraft artillery and aircraft malfunctions which hindered the accomplishment of the mission. Ignoring the heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire, Captain Sandstrum elected to make multiple passes on the target to insure the maximum effectiveness of his ordnance. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Sandstrum reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.