Pogreba, Dean Andrew, Col

Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel [then Major] Dean Andrew Pogreba United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an F-105D aircraft while serving on temporary duty with the 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, in action in Southeast Asia on 5 October 1965.

On that date, Lieutenant Colonel Pogreba participated as a pilot and mission coordinator for a strike against a highly significant military target. Despite the extreme difficulty of overcast cloud layers, haze, and rain showers, Lieutenant Colonel Pogreba flew at low level through mountain passes to the target area while encountering devastating automatic weapons and anti-aircraft artillery fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Colonel Pogreba climbed to 9,000 feet into over-hanging clouds, which made him highly vulnerable to the hostile ground fire, and delivered his ordnance directly on the target. Lieutenant Colonel Pogreba then emerged from the clouds and though still subjected to intensive ground fire, assisted the other members of his flight in their weapons deliver, assuring complete destruction of this vital target.

His courageous actions and determination are in keeping with the highest traditions of the American fighting man under attack by an opposing armed force. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness, Major Pogreba reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Action Date: October 5, 1965, Service: Air Force, Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Company: 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TDY), Division: Yokota Air Base, Japan

This Veteran has an (IMO) In Memory Of Headstone in Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial, Hawaii