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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert J. C. Irvine for distinguishing himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Navigator over Southeast Asia on 2 February 1970. On that date, Captain Irvine flew as Lead Navigator of two flights of F-4D aircraft on a strike mission against a four-position, anti-aircraft artillery site and an active surface-to-air missile site. Flying against intense anti-aircraft fire and surface-to-air missiles, Captain Irvine was able to deliver his ordnance with devastating accuracy, thus destroying one of the most menacing anti-aircraft threats in Southeast Asia. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Irvine 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 J.C. Irvine for distinguishing himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Navigator of Southeast Asia on 19 April 1970. On that date, Captain Irvine directed a strike force of fighter aircraft against a heavily defended surface-to-air missile complex. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Irvine remained at low level in the midst of devastating ground fire for over an hour to identify targets for incoming flights and to assess the battle damage created by outgoing flights. Due to his selfless effort to identify each target, Captain Irvine was able to flawlessly direct each strike against a well designated target in a minimum of time. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Irvine 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 J. C. Irvine for distinguishing himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D combat crewmember in Southeast Asia on 4 October 1970. On that date, Captain Irvine contributed greatly to the success of a combat mission flown in support of ground operations conducted by troops of a friendly country. With unwavering calmness and courage, Captain Irvine was able to direct his aircraft commander’s delivery of ordnance, in the face of overwhelming automatic weapons fire, successfully destroying the target. This resulted directly in the denial of much-needed supplies and reinforcements for a hostile ground force. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Irvine reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.