Air Force Cross (United States) - Notable Recipients

Notable Recipients

  • Maj. Rudolf Anderson, Jr. - First recipient, posthumously awarded for valor during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
  • Col. George E. "Bud" Day - Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam War POW.
  • Capt. Charles B. "Chuck" DeBellevue - F-4 weapon systems officer ace, credited with six (6) MiG kills, the most of any U.S. aviator during the Vietnam War.
  • CMSgt. Richard Etchberger - USAF Airman who died in the Battle of Lima Site 85. Award later upgraded to Medal of Honor.
  • A2C Duane D. Hackney - Pararescueman decorated for valor in Vietnam.
  • Lt. Col. James H. Kasler - Vietnam War fighter pilot and POW; recipient of three awards.
  • Capt. Leland T. Kennedy - Vietnam War rescue helicopter pilot; recipient of two awards.
  • Brig Gen Robin Olds - World War II and Vietnam War fighter pilot.
  • A1C William H. Pitsenbarger - Pararescueman and the first enlisted recipient. Award later upgraded to Medal of Honor.
  • SrA Zachary Rhyner - Combat Controller who was awarded the AFC for actions during the Battle of Shok Valley.
  • 1st Lt. Karl W. Richter - Fighter pilot killed in action in Vietnam.
  • Lt. Col. James Robinson Risner - Vietnam War fighter pilot and POW and first living recipient; received two awards.
  • Capt. Dale E. Stovall - Vietnam War helicopter pilot who rescued Roger Locher from North Vietnam, flying further than any other SAR pilot. Retired as a Brig Gen.
  • Maj. R. Stephen Ritchie - only USAF pilot ace of the Vietnam War. Retired as a Brig Gen.
  • Col. Robert M. White - X-15 test pilot and F-105 commander.
  • Stf Srg. Jay Duncan Lane - USAF Pararescue Jumper first person to receive Iceland's golden medal of valor for the same actions that caused him to receive this reward.

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