AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  RF-4C

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Robert L. Harshbarger for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander near Dong Hoi, North Vietnam on 2 November 1966. On that date, Major Harshbarger, while engaged in routine reconnaissance operations, added a vital target of opportunity, a hostile force surface-to-air missile complex, to his tasked mission requirements. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Major Harshbarger obtained vital imagery of the complex which was subsequently destroyed. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Harshbarger reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.