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 John Swanson (AFSN: FV-930392), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an HC-130 Rescue Crew Commander over North Vietnam on 2 October 1966. On that date, Major Swanson directed the recovery of a downed aircrew member from a heavily defended hostile area. Major Swanson committed his unarmed and highly vulnerable aircraft over known areas of hostile ground fire and in the vicinity of hostile jet fighters to effect the rescue of the downed pilot. His outstanding control and management of all assigned forces was a major factor in the recovery of the downed pilot. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Swanson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
3d Bombardment Wing (L)Division:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
November 25, 1952
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Robert John Swanson (AFSN: FV-930392), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against an enemy of the United Nations on the night of 25 November 1952, while serving as pilot of a B-26 attack bomber of the Third Bombardment Wing (Light), FIFTH Air Force. While reconnoitering his target area in search of enemy vehicular traffic, a series of small convoys were sighted north of Pyongyang, North Korea. Lieutenant Swanson fearlessly pressed immediate attacks on these prime targets, despite the presence of known enemy anti-aircraft positions. Displaying exceptional airmanship and maintaining excellent crew coordination, Lieutenant Swanson was able to destroy eight enemy vehicles by fire and explosions. Lieutenant Swanson’s superior professional knowledge and personal courage reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.