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.
Action Date: 11-Aug-67
Service: Air Force
Rank: Colonel
Company: Deputy Commander for Operations
Regiment: 355th Tactical Fighter Wing
Division: Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand
© 2015, Bryan R. Swopes
I noted an error on the article for 11 August about Col. Robin Olds.
Col. Olds was 8th Tactical Fighter Wing Commander at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, not Udorn.
I know, I was there during most of his tour at Ubon, and, for a time was Crew Chief of his airplane in the 433rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Satan’s Angels.
Thank you for a fantastic site, and for getting so much information posted each day.
Jim Scanlon
TSgt U.S. Air Force Retired
New Braunfels, Republic of Texas
Thank you, Mr. Scanlon. I knew that, but that didn’t keep me from making the mistake. I’ll correct it right away. I had the very good fortune to serve under the General when he was Commandant of Cadets at USAFA.
And thank you for your very kind words. I’m glad that you are enjoying my blog. Please feel free to comment any time.
Bryan
I just saw your message. I, like you, was a crew chief with the 433rd (12/66 – 12/67). We must have known each other at that time ?
8/11/17 – Still not corrected
The other pilots in the “Professionals” photo are from the 354th TFS “Bear Flight” – the first flight of F-105 strike pilots to bomb the bridge that day. (Left to Right): Robert Lindsay (Bear #3), Nelson McDonald (Bear #1) , Robert White , Malcolm Winter (Bear #2) , John Piowaty (Bear #4). Col. White was the force commander, but not in Bear Flight.
Thank you, Mike.
IIRC Piowaty put two 3000 pounders on one of the spans.