AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The hostile force occupied a trench area less than one mile south of the demilitarized Zone and had successfully stopped the advancement of a battalion who had suffered considerable losses the day before. Because of an aircraft electrical malfunction, only one of Major Neubauer's four marking rockets fired, requiring him to fly directly over the enemy position in order to drop smoke grenades to the point the way for the fighters on each striking run. Major Neubauer had directed 10 fighter sorties on enemy positions under marginal conditions of 1000' overcast and less than 2 miles of visibility in rain showers. Smoke grenades were dropped 12 times causing his aircraft to be subjected to small arms and automatic weapons fire on 5 of the marking runs. It was not until the 6 marking run was he able to pass over the target without receiving direct ground fire. Because of the close proximity of friendly forces to the hostile enemy position Major Neubauer could have elected to terminate the bombing and napalm drops when he discovered he could not mark the target with his smoke rockets. Instead, he decided to repeatedly fly directly over the hostile position in order to provide the marking accuracy necessary to insure the friendly troops would not he hit. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Neubauer has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Robert E. Neubauer, (Lt. Col) retired from active duty in April 1972. While in Vietnam he completed 372 Combat Missions having flown 620 flying hours .and has been the recipient of numerous awards, decorations, medals and commendations to include; The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Air Medal (with fourteen oak leaf clusters), The Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation Medal (one oak leaf cluster), Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Service Medal, Vietnamese Medal of Honor, Korean and Vietnam Service Medals.