AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  B-52D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Rupert F. Bowron for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Radar Navigator at U-Tapao Airfield, Thailand, from 18 December to 29 December 1972. During that period, Captain Bowron flew four night bombing missions against heavily defended, vital military targets in North Vietnam. Despite hostile fighter interceptors, numerous surface-to-air missiles, and high-caliber anti-aircraft artillery, Captain Bowron, with complete disregard for his personal safety, penetrated these defenses and released his ordnance precisely on target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Bowron reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.