Robert M. White Air Force Cross citation

THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE CROSS

PRESENTED TO

COLONEL ROBERT M. WHITE
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Colonel Robert M. White (AFSN: 0-24589A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Mission Commander and Pilot of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 11 August 1967. On that date, Colonel White led the entire combat force against a key railroad and highway bridge in the vicinity of Hanoi. In spite of 14 surface-to-air missile launches, MiG interceptor attacks, and intense anti-aircraft artillery fire, he gallantly led the attack. By being the first aircraft to dive through the dark clouds of bursting flak, Colonel White set an example that inspired the remaining attacking force to destroy the bridge without a single aircraft being lost to the hostile gunners. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Colonel White reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Born: 6 July 1924 in New York City… Flew 52 missiosn as a P-51 pilot before being shot down and held in the famous Stalag Luft 3 until the end of the war… Served as a test pilot and became the first human to travel Mach 4, 5, and 6… Flew 70 combat missions as an F-105 pilot during the Vietnam War, where he was decorated for the above action against the notorious Paul Doumer Bridge, connecting Hanoi and Haiphong… Also awarded four Silver Stars, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, 17 Air Medals… Retired as major general in 1981… Passed away: 17 March 2010… Interred: Arlington National Cemetery