AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-4C,F-4D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Robert W. Coburn for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Pilot at Phuong Chay Ferry, North Vietnam on 20 August 1966. On that date, in spite of marginal weather, hazardous terrain and intense hostile ground fire during the night armed reconnaissance mission, Lieutenant Coburn flared and destroyed a truck park at Phoung Chay Ferry Complex. With total disregard for his own personal safety, he pressed in to break up an impending source of hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Coburn reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert W. Coburn for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F4D Aircraft Commander over North Vietnam on 19 December 1967. On that date, Captain Coburn courageously and aggressively engaged in a larger hostile force in a running aerial engagement in defense of an attacking force of friendly aircraft. He maneuvered to negate attack after attack from the intruding hostile force, and eventually dispersed them completely. As a result of Captain Coburn's actions, an important mission was accomplished without a single loss from an overwhelming number of hostile aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Coburn reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert W. Coburn for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F4D Flight Leader over North Vietnam on 9 August 1968. On that date, Captain Coburn planned and successfully led a flight of two fighter-bombers against a heavily defended supply and ammunition storage area. In the face of withering ground fire, Captain Coburn made repeated accurate ordnance deliveries that completely neutralized a revetted storage area one mile in length. Captain Coburn's outstanding air leadership helped deny much needed materials to hostile military forces operating in South Vietnam. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Coburn reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.