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 Major Robert Frank Pheiff (AFSN: 0-27378), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a UC-123 pilot near Hoi An, Republic of Vietnam on 9 July 1968. On that date, Major Pheiff’s aircraft was raked by extremely heavy and accurate hostile ground fire as he flew across the target area at a very low altitude and airspeed. In spite of the hazardous conditions which existed, Major Pheiff maintained optimum engine performance on his battle damaged aircraft, and with great precision, placed the defoliant on the target, thereby denying vital ambush locations to unfriendly ground forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Pheiff reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Robert Frank Pheiff (AFSN: 0-27378), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 2 March 1968. On that date, Major Pheiff landed at Dau Tieng Air Base to evacuate combat personnel and cargo. After landing at Dau Tieng, the base came under a mortar and automatic weapons attack. Major Pheiff professionally directed and assisted his aircrew in making an expeditious departure from Dau Tieng, thus saving his crew, the lives of combat personnel and 2,000 rounds of combat essential cargo. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Pheiff reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.