The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major Donald Elliot Westbrook (AFSN: FR-22378), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an A-1 Skyraider Pilot of the 602d Fighter Squadron (Commando), Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in Southeast Asia on 13 March 1968. On that date, Major Westbrook was leading a search and rescue task force on an extremely sensitive and militarily important recovery mission. During this mission Major Westbrook exposed himself to the constant threat of hostile ground fire for over two and a half hours. A dense cloud cover required him to fly his aircraft close to the ground within range of hostile gunners. While attempting to locate possible survivors, Major Westbrook’s aircraft was downed, and he was declared missing in action. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Major Westbrook has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Donald Elliot Westbrook (AFSN: FR-22378), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 602d Fighter Squadron (Commando), Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Donald Elliot Westbrook (AFSN: FR-22378), United States Air Force, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 602d Fighter Squadron (Commando), Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 5 November 1967.