AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-8

Citation:  1.) In the name of the President of the United States, the Commander in Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet takes pleasure in awarding the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Ernest Weedon, United States Navy, for heroism in aerial flight as a pilot of jet aircraft, while attached to and serving with Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY-FOUR, embarked in USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA 31) during a combat strike on 2 December 1965. Lieutenant Commander Weedon was the leader of a three plane flight of F8 Crusaders assigned to strike a heavily defended bridge deep in enemy territory. Upon reaching the enemy coastline, he was informed that a surface-to-air missile was fired in his immediate area. He quickly evaluated the situation and decided that he could avoid this missile by maneuvering at low altitude. Ground fire was heavy in the target area, but Lieutenant Commander Weedon pressed on using evasive tactics and attacked the bridge with bombs. A re-attack was necessary and during the pitch-up for the second bombing run another missile firing was reported in the immediate vicinity. Now committed and undaunted by missile attack and heavy ground fire, he pressed home the second bombing run, seriously damaging the bridge. While retiring from the target, he sighted a 60-foot river boat and inflicted heavy damage on this lucrative target with 20 mm cannon. Expertly evading intense ground fire, he led his flight safely out of the area. Lieutenant Commander Weedon’s intrepid actions during the entire flight were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.