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 Roger Allen Sorensen (AFSN: FR-70297), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Pilot of the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia on 11 January 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Sorensen successfully completed and extremely exacting, classified mission over hostile terrain to find an area only a few meters square deep in 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 Lieutenant Sorensen reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
497th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
May 22, 1966
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-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 to First Lieutenant Roger Allen Sorensen (AFSN: FR-70297), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Pilot of the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 22 May 1966. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from unfriendly forces, Lieutenant Sorensen 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. Lieutenant Sorensen displayed outstanding heroism and devotion to duty and reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Roger Allen Sorensen (AFSN: FR-70297), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Sorensen culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
497th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Ubon Royal Thai Air Force 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 First Lieutenant Roger Allen Sorensen (AFSN: FR-70297), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 25 February 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Sorensen flew an F-4C at treetop level on an extremely important special mission into North Vietnam. Disregarding his personal safety, Lieutenant Sorensen navigated his aircraft with unerring accuracy through intensive antiaircraft fire and deadly surface-to-air missiles to his assigned target. Despite the extreme hazards associated with maneuvering in this hostile environment, Lieutenant Sorensen completed his primary mission and also obtained vital information on another strategic target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Sorensen has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.