Ralph S. Hoggatt

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Ralph S. Hoggatt, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an A-1E Skyraider pilot of the 602d Tactical Fighter Squadron (Commando), Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, SEVENTH Air Force, in action in Southeast Asia on 11 November 1967. On that date, Colonel Hoggatt led a search and rescue force over a heavily defended troop concentration and supply area on the Ho Chi Minh Train in an effort to rescue a downed pilot. Despite intense and accurate hostile fire which destroyed his wingman’s aircraft and crippled his own, Colonel Hoggatt, with undaunted determination, indomitable courage, and professional skill, remained in this hostile area alone and unaided, to provide the fire support and cover necessary to permit the recovery of his wingman from hostile territory in the face of antiaircraft artillery. Disregarding his personal safety and his heavily damaged aircraft, he remained in the area for nearly two hours after the recovery of his wingman in order to direct follow-on rescue forces to the scene. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Lieutenant Colonel Hoggatt reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.