The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Robert Lawrence Herklotz, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Pilot of the 1st Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 27 June 1972. On that date, Captain Herklotz flew in support of an extremely hazardous and complex search and rescue mission to rescue a downed crew member located near intense ground fire at Hue, South Vietnam. Captain Herklotz provided protective fire and smoke screen for the vulnerable rescue helicopters until his aircraft was hit and he was forced to leave the area, barely saving himself and his stricken aircraft. These conspicuous actions were instrumental in neutralizing the threat to the helicopters and effecting the safe recovery of the crew member. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Herklotz reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of 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 a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Robert Lawrence Herklotz, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Pilot of the 1st Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia on 1 June 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Herklotz provided helicopter escort for a search and rescue mission in the heavily fortified Red River Valley, fifty miles northwest of Hanoi, North Vietnam. While providing protective cover for the vulnerable rescue helicopter, Lieutenant Herklotz prevented certain disaster to the rescue team by intercepting an oncoming hostile jet aircraft and forcing an attack which caused the hostile aircraft to depart the area thus insuring the eventual successful mission accomplishment. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Herklotz reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of 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 to First Lieutenant Robert Lawrence Herklotz, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot of the 1st Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 11 September 1971. On that date, Lieutenant Herklotz escorted a flight of helicopters that was to deploy a large number of troops involved in a vitally important operation deep in hostile territory. As the helicopter approached the landing zone they came under intense hostile ground fire and Lieutenant Herklotz with complete disregard for his own safety, immediately and repeatedly attacked the hostile positions and succeeded in suppressing the ground fire thus allowing the operation to be carried to its successful completion. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Herklotz reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.