US Air Force Maj Gen Robert White: POW, Test Pilot, and American Hero

Robert White was one of America’s most accomplished but least-known pilots, a WWII P-51 Mustang pilot turned POW, a record-breaking X-15 test pilot who became the first to fly a winged aircraft at Mach 6 and earn astronaut wings, and a fearless combat leader in Vietnam.

On August 11, 1967, as an F-105 Mission Commander, Col. White led a strike against a heavily defended bridge near Hanoi, braving MiGs, anti-aircraft fire, and 14 SAM launches. His daring leadership ensured mission success—without a single aircraft lost. For his actions, he was awarded the Air Force Cross.

Air Force Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, awards the Air Force Cross to Colonel Robert M. White, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Mission Commander near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 11 August 1967. On that date, Colonel White led the entire combat force against a key railroad and highway bridge in the vicinity of Hanoi. In spite of 14 surface-to-air missile launches, MIG interceptor attacks, and intense antiaircraft artillery fire, he gallantly led the attack. By being the first aircraft to dive through the dark clouds of bursting flak, Colonel White set an example that inspired the remaining attacking force to destroy the bridge without a single aircraft being lost to the hostile gunners. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Colonel White reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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