William Andrew Robinson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to William Andrew Robinson, Airman First Class, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Helicopter Mechanic in Detachment 3, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam, SEVENTH Air Force, in action 40 miles south of Vinh, North Vietnam on 20 September 1965. On that date, Airman Robinson participated in an extremely hazardous attempted recovery of a downed pilot. The mission required a flight of over 80 miles, mostly over hostile controlled territory. Evaluation of the environment in which the downed pilot was located indicated that maximum performance would be demanded from each crew member if successful recovery was to be effected. Though exposed to intensive hostile ground fire, Airman Robinson, with complete disregard for his own safety, performed with courage and professional precision in a supreme effort to rescue a fallen comrade. Airman Robinson’s courageous action and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the American Fighting Man Under Attack by an Opposing Armed Force.