Robert Ray Scott
Robert Ray Scott | |
|---|---|
 Colonel Robert R. Scott | |
| Nickname(s) | Bob |
| Born | November 1, 1920 Des Moines, Iowa |
| Died | October 3, 2006 (aged 85) Tehachapi, California |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1941-1970 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | 426th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron 8th Fighter-Bomber Group 355th Tactical Fighter Wing |
| Commands | 35th Fighter-Bomber Squadron 510th Fighter-Bomber Squadron 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron 6002nd Standardization/Evaluation Group 355th Tactical Fighter Wing 832nd Air Division |
| Battles / wars | World War II Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards |  Silver Star (4) Legion of Merit (3) Distinguished Flying Cross (6) Air Medal (16) |
Robert Ray Scott (November 1, 1920 – October 3, 2006) was a career officer in the United States Air Force, who flew combat missions in World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War .
During World War II, he flew the Northrop P-61 Black Widow in the China Burma India Theater and was credited in destroying two enemy aircraft in combat. During the Korean War, he flew North American F-86 Sabre and completed 117 missions during the war.
On 9 October 1955, Scott set a transcontinental speed record by flying a Republic F-84F Thunderstreak fighter bomber from Los Angeles International Airport to Floyd Bennett Field in New York, in 3 hours, 46 minutes, 33.6 seconds. Later he was a project officer at Edwards Air Force Base on the Republic F-105 Thunderchief.[1]
In 1966, Scott participated in his third war, as the commander of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, and flew a full tour of bombing and fighter missions over North Vietnam. He was credited in destroying 1 MiG-17 on March 1967, making only the second U.S. Air Force pilot, after Colonel Robin Olds, to achieve aerial victories during World War II and the Vietnam War. He retired from Air Force on 1970.[2]
Awards and Decorations
During his lengthy career, Scott earned many decorations, including:[3]
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US Air Force Command Pilot Badge |
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Silver Star with three bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Legion of Merit with two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Distinguished Flying Cross with V device and silver oak leaf cluster |
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Air Medal with three silver oak leaf clusters |
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Joint Service Commendation Medal |
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Air Force Commendation Medal |
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Air Force Presidential Unit Citation with bronze oak leaf cluster |
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Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V device and two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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American Defense Service Medal |
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American Campaign Medal |
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Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal with four bronze campaign stars |
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World War II Victory Medal |
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National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star |
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Korean War Service Medal with two bronze campaign stars |
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Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze campaign star |
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Air Force Longevity Service Award with silver and bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon |
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South Korean Order of National Security Merit (Third Class) with silver star |
Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal (1st Class)
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Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
Republic of China War Memorial Medal
See Also
References
- ^ "Robert R. Scott Archives - This Day in Aviation". This Day in Aviation.
- ^ "Veteran Tributes". www.veterantributes.org.
- ^ "Veteran Tributes". www.veterantributes.org.