Don Rakestraw graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1969. He retired in 1992 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.
Sponsored by:
Don
William
Rakestraw
Home:
Oklahoma City
,
Oklahoma
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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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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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
421st Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
DaNang Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
January 30, 1972
U.S. Air Force Academy Southeast Asia Plaza of HeroesThe 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 Don William Rakestraw, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an F-4C Weapons Systems Officer of the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action against the enemy in Southeast Asia on 30 January 1972. On that night, Lieutenant Rakestraw attacked a number of gun positions threatening the operations of a gunship in the area. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Rakestraw repeatedly dived into the darkness at the firing guns. As a result of his gallantry and intrepid actions, Lieutenant Rakestraw destroyed four antiaircraft guns, silenced another, achieved five secondary explosions and a dozen large fires thus allowing the gunship to complete his mission safely. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Lieutenant Rakestraw has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
421st Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
DaNang Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
April 6, 1972
U.S. Air Force Academy Southeast Asia Plaza of HeroesThe 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Don William Rakestraw, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an F-4C Navigator of the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action against the enemy in Southeast Asia. On that date, Lieutenant Rakestraw entered North Vietnam on four separate occasions to lead the fighter-bombers against surface-to-air missile sites threatening air operations in South Vietnam. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of extremely heavy antiaircraft fire and hostile surface-to-air missiles, Lieutenant Rakestraw repeatedly descended to dangerously low altitudes to insure the destruction of two missile sites in North Vietnam. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Rakestraw 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 LieutenantBatallion:
421st Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
DaNang Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
December 25, 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 Don William Rakestraw, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Weapons Systems Operator of the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action against the enemy in Southeast Asia on 25 December 1971. On that date, Lieutenant Rakestraw attacked a heavily defended truck park and storage area. Despite intense antiaircraft fire and extremely poor weather conditions, Lieutenant Rakestraw delivered his ordnance precisely on target damaging one truck, destroying two trucks, and destroying an antiaircraft gun position. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Rakestraw 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:
First LieutenantBatallion:
421st Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
DaNang Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
June 2, 1971
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 Don William Rakestraw, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Weapons Systems Operator of the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action against the enemy in Southeast Asia on 2 June 1971. On that date, Lieutenant Rakestraw made repeated bombing attacks against an extremely heavily defended hostile location in support of friendly troops. Due primarily to his efforts, a critical troops in contact situation was broken. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Rakestraw 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:
October 3, 1989 – March 31, 1992
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 Don William Rakestraw, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States as Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia, from 3 October 1989 to 31 March 1992. During this period, Colonel Rakestraw’s dynamic leadership and tireless efforts were instrumental in furthering the effectiveness of both the Air Staff and Secretariat in dealing with such complex and diverse challenges as the Defense Management Review, Headquarters reorganization and the implementation of Total Quality Control His exceptional knowledge of the Air Force mission, and sensitive insight in international politico-military affairs were instrumental in assisting the Under Secretary of the Air Force in restructuring the office responsible for Air Force international affairs during a period of historic world change. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Rakestraw culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 13, 1987 – April 30, 1989
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 Don William Rakestraw, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States as Deputy Director Air Force Issues Team, Office of the Vice Chief of Staff and as Military Assistant to the Under Secretary, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia, from 13 June 1987 to 30 April 1989, In these highly visible positions, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty of Colonel Rakestraw were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the Air Force. His comprehensive preparation of the Air Force leadership for congressional budget deliberations and Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces testimony, coupled with his sensitive insight on international politico-military affairs, constitute a unique contribution to the advancement of Air Force programs in support of national security. His foresight and vast knowledge on key issues facing our nation were clearly evident in the expert advice and guidance he provided the Under Secretary and Acting Secretary of the Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Rakestraw and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
421st Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
DaNang Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
December 18, 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 First Lieutenant Don William Rakestraw, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Weapons Systems Operator of the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action against the enemy in Southeast Asia on 18 December 1971. On that date, Lieutenant Rakestraw scrambled to aid friendly troops under attack and about to be overrun by a vastly superior hostile force. Despite extremely heavy and accurate antiaircraft fire Lieutenant Rakestraw made numerous ordnance delivery passes in close proximity to the friendly troops disrupting the attack and forcing the hostile forces to withdraw. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Rakestraw 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:
First LieutenantBatallion:
421st Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
DaNang Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
September 26, 1971
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 First Lieutenant Don William Rakestraw, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Weapons Systems Operator of the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia on 26 September 1971. On that date, Lieutenant Rakestraw struck a hostile forces’ regimental headquarters. Despite extremely poor weather conditions and heavy antiaircraft fire, Lieutenant Rakestraw delivered his ordnance precisely on target destroying numerous military structures, underground bunkers, and ammunition stores. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Rakestraw reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.