The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Harry W. Schurr (AFSN: 0-41901), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as commander of a strike force of twenty F-105 Thunderchiefs of the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action against a heavily defended target in North Vietnam on 11 August 1967. On that date, though intense, accurately directed hostile fire had damaged his aircraft prior to reaching the target, Colonel Schurr, with undaunted determination, indomitable courage, and professional skill, led the strike in a devastating attack against a key railroad and highway bridge. One span was destroyed and others heavily damaged. As a result, the flow of war materials into this area was appreciably reduced. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the hostile force, Colonel Schurr has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
General Orders: Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-427 (November 30, 1967)
Action Date: 11-Aug-67
Service: Air Force
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Company: 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron
Regiment: 388th Tactical Fighter Wing
Division: Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand
© 2015, Bryan R. Swopes
The F-105 pilots from the 355th TFW at Tahkli were the first to arrive and bomb the target, and also deserve credit for knocking down a span of the bridge. Col. Robert White ( strike force leader) from the 355th TFW also received the Air Force Cross for his leadership that day. “he 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.”
I launch Lt.Col Suhurr on that mission. I also parked him when he got back help him out of the cockpit. Had 2 holes in the left side panel of of the105 windshield which he had loss cockpit pressure. I notced 2 hole in the ejection seat head rest.. I pulled off the red pad and found 2 flattened shells that had missed his head. Several years later I called the Col. and told him I was the Crew Chief that parked him that day and gave him the shells on the luckest day of his life. He laughed and invited me to Wright Patterson AFB to attend River Rat Convention that spring. I was still working and could not make it. I always regretted that I did not go. Rest in peace you was a very brave man and a Great Commander