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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.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    12th Special Operations Squadron

    Action Date:

    March 2, 1968
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-481 (February 7, 1969)

    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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    12th Air Commando Squadron

    Regiment:

    315th Air Commando Wing

    Action Date:

    July 20, 1968
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-105 (January 8, 1969)

    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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Robert Frank Pheiff (AFSN: 0-27378), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Pheiff distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Pilot of a UC-123 Aircraft of the 12th Special Operations Squadron, 315th Air Commando Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy near Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam, on 20 July 1968. Major Pheiff led a flight of unarmed UC-123 aircraft on a low-level defoliation mission against a heavily defended hostile base camp, communications center, and crop area. Despite intense and accurate ground fire which raked his aircraft, Major Pheiff tenaciously held his formation on target, and as a result of his courageous efforts, the defoliant was placed precisely on target and hostile ground forces were deprived of valuable ground cover. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Pheiff, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    12th Special Operations Squadron

    Regiment:

    315th Air Commando Wing

    Action Date:

    1968
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major Robert Frank Pheiff (AFSN: 0-27378), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Pheiff distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Pilot of a C-123 Aircraft of the 12th Special Operations Squadron, 315th Air Commando Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy on 20 July 1968. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Pheiff, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.