Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Robert
Tipton
Galer
February 25, 1945

–

Home:

Dallas

, 

Texas

Robert Galer graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1966. He retired in 1990 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. His father, Robert E. Galer was an Army Air Forces Pilot in World War II who received the Medal of Honor.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    1990

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Robert Tipton Galer (AFSN: FR-3195048), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Galer culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    December 23, 1972
    Headquarters, 13th Air Force, Special Orders G-1169 (December 23, 1972)

    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 Tipton Galer (AFSN: FR-3195048), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over hostile territory on 23 December 1972. On that date, Captain Galer led a night chaff escort flight of F-4D aircraft to the Hanoi area of North Vietnam. Despite intense anti-aircraft artillery fire and numerous surface-to-air missile launches, Captain Galer intercepted hostile aircraft threatening the vulnerable chaff flight. With the hostile aircraft driven from the area, the chaff flight successfully completed its mission without loss. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Galer 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:

    510th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-1957 (1969)

    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 Robert Tipton Galer (AFSN: FR-3195048), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an F-100 Pilot of the 510th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, in action near Tieu Can, Republic of Vietnam on 1 February 1969. On that date, Lieutenant Galer was scrambled from the Bien Hoa alert facility to provide close air support for the 4th Battalion of the 14th Army of the Republic of Vietnam, which was pinned down by a company-sized hostile force. Despite poor visibility, marginal weather, darkness, and the close proximity of the friendly forces, Lieutenant Galer delivered his ordnance perfectly. Disregarding his personal safety, Lieutenant Galer made numerous vulnerable, low altitude attacks into intense hostile ground fire. His action routed the hostile forces and prevented numerous friendly casualties. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Galer 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:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    510th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    October 4, 1968
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-3714 (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 First Lieutenant Robert Tipton Galer (AFSN: FR-3195048), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 Pilot of the 510th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in the Plain of Reeds near Saigon, Republic of Vietnam, on 4 October 1968. On that date, Lieutenant Galer flew a close air support mission in support of the 3d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, which was in heavy contact with a battalion-sized hostile force. Despite poor visibility, restricted attack headings, intense ground fire, and the close proximity of friendly forces Lieutenant Galer delivered his ordnance within 150 meters of friendly forces and provided badly needed air support at a crucial point in a major ground operation. As a result of his unerring accuracy and aerial pressure, friendly forces were able to achieve a significant victory. His outstanding airmanship and conspicuous disregard for his own safety saved countless friendly lives in this operation. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Galer reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.