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 Captain Thomas Stanton Dewberry (AFSN: FR-68040/AO-3096531), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 11 January 1966. On that date, Captain Dewberry successfully completed an extremely exacting, classified mission over hostile terrain to locate an area only a few meters square deep within hostile territory. To avoid detection, his aircraft had to be meticulously navigated for over 200 miles at an altitude not higher than 50 feet over rugged mountainous terrain, some of which had no relief data available for navigation while constantly under the threat of hostile fire. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Dewberry reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
497th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
February 25, 1966
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders G-237 (July 30, 1966)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 Captain Thomas Stanton Dewberry (AFSN: FR-68040/AO-3096531), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam on 25 February 1966. On that date, Captain Dewberry volunteered to perform an extremely hazardous “Special” mission deep within the most heavily defended portion of North Vietnam. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Dewberry flew his aircraft at levels of twenty-five to fifty feet with unerring accuracy through extremely heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire over forbidding and hostile terrain to two different targets. Withdrawal again subjected him to intense and accurate fire and hostile interceptors, and a dwindling fuel supply added to his perils. Despite the extreme hazards involved, the mission was executed exactly as planned. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Dewberry has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
497th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
May 22, 1966
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. 869 (October 18, 1966)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 with Combat “V” to Captain Thomas Stanton Dewberry (AFSN: FR-68040/AO-3096531), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a combat air crew member in Southeast Asia on 22 May 1966. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from unfriendly forces, Captain Dewberry demonstrated cool courage, undaunted determination, and superior skill in pressing home devastating air attacks against hostile positions. Persevering in the face of danger and death, he relentlessly and effectively aided in neutralizing the hostile forces. Captain Dewberry displayed outstanding heroism and devotion to duty and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.