Richard Kenneth Allee

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Richard Kenneth Allee (0-84263264), Major, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot while serving with the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, SEVENTH Air Force, in action over Southeast Asia on 21 December 1968. On that date, Major Allee was attacking an extremely important supply and storage area containing a large concentration of unfriendly forces and located in one of the most heavily defended areas of Southeast Asia. During the initial phase of his dive bombing attack, Major Allee’s aircraft sustained critical damage from lethal antiaircraft artillery fire defending this important target. Although his aircraft was burning, he demonstrated professional dedication and exceptional valor by continuing his attack and delivering his ordnance directly on target. Knowing that his mission was now accomplished, Major Allee attempted recovery from his dive bombing attack but the severity of the damage sustained by his aircraft made recovery unsuccessful and his aircraft was observed impacting in the immediate target area. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Allee reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.