Thomas Henry Kirk, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Thomas Henry Kirk, Jr. (20794A), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Pilot of the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Force, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 28 October 1967. On that date, Colonel Kirk planned and led a 24-aircraft strike force against an important and heavily defended railroad and highway bridge near Hanoi. Despite seven Surface-to-Air missiles being fired at him and extremely poor visibility, Colonel Kirk, with undaunted determination, indomitable courage, and professional skill, led his force to a precise ordnance deliver point, placing his own bombs directly on the target. During recovery from the bomb run, his aircraft sustained a direct hit from the extremely intense anti-aircraft fire. He courageously flew his burning aircraft until it became completely uncontrollable and he was forced to eject over hostile territory. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness, Lieutenant Colonel Kirk reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.