This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Hopkins, James Richard, Col USAF(Ret).
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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 James Richard Hopkins (AFSN: 0-37029A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Commanding Officer, 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 29 June 1966. On that date, Colonel Hopkins was Mission Commander of a large strike force of F-105 Thunderchiefs tasked with destroying a large petroleum, oil, and lubricant storage area at Hanoi, North Vietnam. Despite adverse weather and the most intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire ever encountered over North Vietnam, including deadly surface-to-air missiles, he led his force in totally destroying this vital military target. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Lieutenant Colonel Hopkins reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Aircraft/Missile Information
Model Lockheed F-80C Shooting Star Length 34.42 ft | 10.49 m Width 38.75 ft | 11.81 m Height 11.25 ft | 3.43 m Engine(s) 1 x Allison J33-A-21 turbojet engine generating 4,500 lb of thrust. Empty Weight 8,175 lbs | 3,708 kg MTOW 15,999 lbs | 7,257 kg Max Speed 577 mph | 928 km/h | 501 kts Max Range 790 miles | 1,271 km Ceiling 45,499 ft | 13,868 m | 8.6 miles Climb Rate 5,000 ft/min (1,524 m/min) Hardpoints 2 Armament 6 x 12.7mm machine guns
Mission-specific ordnance can include any of the following:
2 x 1,000lb dumb bombs 8 x air-to-surface rockets Accommodations 1