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
RB-57D High-altitude reconnaissance aircraft
Notes: - Serial numbers: 53-3963 to 53-3982 - First flight was Nov. 3, 1955
SPECIFICATIONS: Span: 106 ft. 0 in. Length: 66+ ft. depending on variant Height: 15 ft. 7 in. Weight: Approx. 59,000 lbs. maximum takeoff weight Armament: None Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney J57-P-9 turbojets of 10,000 lbs. static thrust each Crew: One or two depending on variant
PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed: Approx. 600 mph at 45,000 ft. Cruising speed: Approx. 420 knots at 65,000 ft. Combat radius: Approx. 2,000 miles Service ceiling: Approx. 70,000 ft.
