The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain David LaPaul Yates, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Route Package One, North Vietnam, on 23 April 1972. On that day, Captain Yates was directed to work with a fast Forward Air controller striking targets of opportunity. Despite the extremely high threat posed by twelve surface-to-air missiles, over one hundred rounds of antiaircraft artillery fire, and possible hostile aircraft, Captain Yates repeatedly delivered his ordnance directly on target. Captain Yates’ superior performance under these hazardous conditions resulted in the destruction of a large volume of supplies destined for hostile forces operating in South Vietnam. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Yates reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainRegiment:
8th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
August 17, 1971
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-0384 (1971)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain David LaPaul Yates, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 17 August 1971. On that date, Captain Yates flew a dusk patrol mission against hostile road repair vehicles and associated supplies situated along one of the most heavily defended route segments in Southeast Asia. In spite of intensely accurate antiaircraft fire, Captain Yates, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, made repeated and extremely accurate ordnance deliveries resulting in substantial losses to unfriendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Yates reflect 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:
CaptainRegiment:
8th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
May 25, 1972
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain David LaPaul Yates, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over hostile territory in Southeast Asia on 25 May 1972. On that date, despite heavy antiaircraft artillery fire directed at his aircraft, Captain Yates, having only minimum information on the location of his target, was able to locate and direct strike flights onto one of the hostile force’s surface-to-air missile sites. Under the skilled direction of Captain Yates, the target was successfully destroyed. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Yates reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
August 2, 1992 – September 30, 1995
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel David LaPaul Yates, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander, United States Air Force Air Warfare Center, Elgin Air Force Base, Florida, from 2 August 1992 to 30 September 1995. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty of Colonel Yates guaranteed the Air Warfare Center’s continued sustained excellence in operational testing, tactics development, and specialized training. His strong leadership contributed to significant increases in the combat capability and operational readiness of the Combat Air Forces while also safeguarding the lives of aircrew members engaged in contingency operations worldwide. Colonel Yates’ total commitment to quality resulted in unprecedented high ratings in the Air Warfare Center’s first Quality Air Force Assessment, scoring above the Air Combat Command’s average in ninety-six percent of the assessed categories. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Yates culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
March 21, 1991 – July 15, 1992
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 LaPaul Yates, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States as Vice Commander, 33d Tactical Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and Commander, 325th Fighter Wing, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, from 21 March 1991 to 15 July 1992. Through a period of dynamic change, the charismatic leadership of Colonel Yates inspired the men and women of the wing to stunning levels of performance. The wing faced challenges ranging from a massive reorganization of the base, to the relocation of over 140 families evacuated from the Mount Pinatubo eruption, from a comprehensive force alteration and aircraft transfer, to immersion in the culture of Tactical Air Command Quality. Under Colonel Yates’ leadership, the wing’s logistics group set a new record in spare engines, going from 1.5 in July 1991 to 13 in December 1991. The wing’s Class A and B accident rates decreased to zero and stayed there. As awards mounted and records were broken, Colonel Yates strengthened Tyndall Air Force Base’s reputation for unequaled hospitality as worldwide conferences were hosted by the wing. The outstanding leadership initiative, dedication to principle, and devotion to people have marked Colonel Yates as a quality leader. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Yates reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
388th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
April 25, 1970
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-0384 (1971)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 First Lieutenant David LaPaul Yates, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Pilot of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 25 April 1970. On that date, Lieutenant Yates led a flight of two F-4E fighter aircraft against a hostile supply/truck park storage area in one of the most highly defended areas of Southeast Asia. Despite adverse weather conditions and accurate, intense hostile ground fire, Lieutenant Yates attacked and destroyed the storage area, causing numerous secondary explosions, and subsequently severely hampering the logistical capability of an opposing force. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Yates reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in awarding the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel David LaPaul Yates, United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense as Military Staff Assistant to the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation, from July 1987 to July 1989. In this key position. Colonel Yates’ natural ability to recognize and resolve complex, technical, operational test issues, combined with his unquestioned integrity, honesty and objectivity in difficult situations have played a vital role in insuring that realistic and productive operational tests have been conducted on major Air Force and Navy weapon systems. His rational approach to problem-solving, impartiality, and drive to effect solutions across the Office of the Secretary of Defense staff have earned him the highest respect of his peers and senior level officials in the Department of Defense and the Military Services, and enhanced his reputation as an authority an operational testing throughout the acquisition and test community. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Yates reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
388th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
May 7, 1970
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-4311 (September 26, 1970)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 David LaPaul Yates, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia on 7 May 1970. On that date, Lieutenant Yates was the pilot flying an F-4E aircraft as a Forward Air Controller. After working several flights in highly defended areas while under intense hostile ground fire, he was diverted to aid friendly troops in contact with opposing ground forces. Hampered by extremely hazardous weather conditions, rugged terrain, and heavy ground fire, Lieutenant Yates made multiple strafe passes to silence a recoilless rifle position which was pinning down friendly forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Lieutenant Yates 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:
First LieutenantRegiment:
388th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
March 25, 1970
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-4104 (1970)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 First Lieutenant David LaPaul Yates, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Pilot of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 25 March 1970. On that date, Lieutenant Yates conducted multiple strikes against a heavily defended opposing force supply route. Despite marginal weather and heavy concentrated ground fire, Lieutenant Yates succeeded in closing the vital supply line and destroying several hostile anti-aircraft gun positions. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Yates reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.