Winfield S. Harpe’s SECOND Silver Star

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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of 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 18 July 1967. On that date, Captain Harpe led a flight of four F-105 Thunderchiefs on an attack against the rail yard supporting the Kep Airfield north of Hanoi. Instead of bombing the already heavily damaged rail yard, Captain Harpe led his flight down the tracks and deeper into the blistering anti-aircraft defenses that had already hit four aircraft in the force. Through an almost overwhelming hail of bursting flak and flying projectiles he dropped his bombs and destroyed two trains loaded with supplies. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Harpe has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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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