Winfield S. Harpe FIRST Silver Star citation
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ESTABLISHED BY AN ACT OF CONGRESS 9 JULY 1918 (AMENDED BY ACT OF 25 JULY 1963) AND AWARDED BY THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
SILVER STAR MEDAL
PRESENTED TO
CAPTAIN WINFIELD S. HARPE
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Winfield Scott Harpe (AFSN: FR-62522), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-105 Pilot with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand,, in action over North Vietnam, on 13 July 1967. On that date, Captain Harpe was the Mission Commander of a large force of F-105 Thunderchiefs that struck a vital thermal power plant north of Hanoi, North Vietnam. Despite extremely heavy anti-aircraft fire that severely damaged two of the aircraft in the force, Captain Harpe led the force in one of the most devastating raids of the air campaign. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Harpe has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Born: 12 January 1937 in Thomason, Ga…. Decorations for valor include two Silver Stars, six Distinguished Flying Crosses, 21 Air Medals… along with his … Reached rank of major general… Perished on 5 December 1988 when his F-16 flew into a mountain during a training mission in Spain… Commanded Sixteenth Air Force at the time of his death… Interred at Arlington National Cemetery