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 pride in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major Robert Alfred Lodge, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Aircraft Commander, 432d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 10 May 1972. On that date, Major Lodge led a flight of four tactical fighters on a mission to provide other allied aircraft protection from enemy interceptors between the enemy’s two largest airfields. Disregarding his own personal safety, Major Lodge aggressively engaged an extremely large force of hostile aircraft and successfully destroyed on enemy fighter. The expert leadership and planning by Major Lodge resulted directly in the flight shooting down three enemy fighters. By his gallantry and devotion to duty in the dedication of his service to his country, Major Lodge has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.



