Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Air Force) to Colonel Robert H. Orr (AFSN: 4978A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Pilot of an F-84 Thunderjet Fighter and as Group Leader of thirty-six F-84 type aircraft of the 49th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea on 17 November 1952. On that date, Colonel Orr skillfully led his Group to the target, an important heavily defended enemy troop and supply concentration at Kapal-li, Korea, which was obscured by low clouds, haze, and fog. While Colonel Orr was initiating his napalm run, his aircraft was seriously damaged by enemy anti-aircraft fire. Struggling to control his crippled aircraft, Colonel Orr, utterly disregarding his own personal safety, heroically continued his attack, scoring two direct hits which guided succeeding pilots to the almost invisible target. After all Squadrons had completed their devastating highly successful attack, Colonel Orr, using both hands and all his strength to control his heavily damaged aircraft, reformed his Squadrons, and led them safely home. Through his selfless courage in the face of the enemy, his keen airmanship, marksmanship, and devotion to duty, Colonel Orr upheld the highest traditions of the military service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.

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