Thomas O’Neal Zorn Jr. Silver Star citation

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

ESTABLISHED BY AN ACT OF CONGRESS 9 JULY 1918 (AMENDED BY ACT OF 25 JULY 1963) AND AWARDED BY THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

SILVER STAR MEDAL

PRESENTED TO
CAPTAIN THOMAS O’NEAL ZORN, JR.
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Thomas O’Neal Zorn, Jr. (AFSN: FR-3230388), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an F-105GT Pilot of the 17th Wild Weasel Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, over Southeast Asia on 17 September 1972. On that date, while escorting a strike force en route to a strategic target near Hanoi, North Vietnam, Captain Zorn repeatedly exposed himself to enemy anti-aircraft defenses in order to draw fire away from the main force. His courageous and aggressive attacks on two key surface-to-air missile sites enabled the American Forces to penetrate the target area defenses, successfully complete their mission and safely withdraw. By his gallantry and devotion to duty in the dedication of his service to his country, Captain Zorn has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Born: 14 June 1946… Home of record: Waycross, Ga.