DIRECTOR OF COMMAND AND CONTROL, ROME LABORATORY, AIR FORCE SYSTEMS COMMAND, GRIFFISS AIR FORCE BASE, NEW YORK
Date of Enlistment: June 10, 1962 Home or Place of Enlistment: Lowman, Idaho
Rudy Zuberbuhler was born in 1940 in Lowman, Idaho. He was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Idaho on June 10, 1962, and went on active duty beginning April 16, 1963. Lt Zuberbuhler completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Vance AFB, Oklahoma, in April 1964, and then after completing F-4 Phantom II Combat Crew Training, he served with the 68th Tactical Fighter Squadron at George AFB, California, from November 1964 to November 1966. His next assignment was with the 10th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Hahn AB, West Germany, from November 1966 to July 1970, followed by service with the 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina. While flying with the 336th TFS, Capt Zuberbuhler deployed to Southeast Asia and flew 368 combat missions before being shot down by a MIG-21 over North Vietnam on September 12, 1972. He was captured the next day and taken as a Prisoner of War, spending the next 198 days in captivity before being released during Operation Homecoming on March 29, 1973. Zuberbuhler was briefly hospitalized at Andrews AFB, Maryland, to recover from his injuries before returning to flying status as the Air Operations Officer for the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson AFB. Col Zuberbuhler went on to fly F-15 Eagle fighters before retiring from the Air Force on July 31, 1991.
LEGION OF MERIT CITATION
Awarded for Actions During Peace Time Service: Air Force; Rank: Colonel
CITATION: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Rudolph Ulrich Zuberbuhler (AFSN: FV-3120127), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director of Command and Control, Rome Laboratory, Rome Laboratory, Air Force Systems Command, Griffiss Air Force Base, New York, from 23 August 1987 to 31 July 1991. As Director, Colonel Zuberbuhler provided exemplary leadership, management and strategic vision in directing a multi-million dollar, research, development, and acquisition program which is critical to current and future Air Force combat capabilities. The achievements of the Command and Control Directorate, the esprit and productivity of the professional research force, and the fighting effectiveness of the Air Force have all been significantly enhanced through his inspiration and ceaseless efforts. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Zuberbuhler culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
FIRST DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS CITATION
Awarded for Actions During Vietnam War Service: Air Force; Rank: First Lieutenant
CITATION: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Rudolph Ulrich Zuberbuhler (AFSN: FV-3120127), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as the pilot of an F4C in Southeast Asia on 22 October 1965. On that date, Lieutenant Zuberbuhler flew a strike mission against a railroad bridge and tracks, that were a vital link in transportation for the hostile forces. In spite of unfavorable conditions, mountainous terrain, adverse weather, and intense and accurate hostile fire, Lieutenant Zuberbuhler destroyed 100 feet of track and caused much damage to the area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Zuberbuhler reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
SECOND DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS CITATION
Awarded for Actions During Vietnam War Service: Air Force; Rank: First Lieutenant
CITATION: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Rudolph Ulrich Zuberbuhler (AFSN: FV-3120127), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F4C Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 16 August 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Zuberbuhler was flying as number four in a flight of four F4C’s assigned to strike a vital hostile petroleum storage area in a highly defended area. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Zuberbuhler continued the attack in the face of intense defenses to deliver ordnance on the target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Zuberbuhler reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
THIRD DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS CITATION
Awarded for Actions During Vietnam War Service: Air Force; Rank: Captain
CITATION: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Rudolph Ulrich Zuberbuhler (AFSN: FV-3120127), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Aircraft Commander over North Vietnam on 8 June 1972. On that date, Captain Zuberbuhler flew a high priority mission in support of a strike force that attacked and destroyed a barracks and storage area. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Zuberbuhler flew into the target area despite numerous surface-to-air missiles, intense anti-aircraft fire, and numerous hostile aircraft, and accurately laid down a chaff corridor for the incoming friendly aircraft. Captain Zuberbuhler displayed the highest degree of professionalism and made the mission a total success by greatly reducing the radar capability of hostile defenses. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Zuberbuhler reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
FOURTH DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS CITATION
Awarded for Actions During Vietnam War Service: Air Force; Rank: Captain
CITATION: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Rudolph Ulrich Zuberbuhler (AFSN: FV-3120127), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Aircraft Commander near Hanoi, North Vietnam on 26 June 1972. On that date, Captain Zuberbuhler flew a mission deep into North Vietnam to lay down a radar screening chaff corridor to provide protection to a follow-on strike force from surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft guns. In the face of an intense and well coordinated defense of anti-aircraft guns, surface-to-air missiles and hostile aircraft, Captain Zuberbuhler performed with calm precision and professional ability to lay down a chaff corridor exactly as planned thus enabling the strike force to attack and destroy the target with minimum reaction from North Vietnamese defenses. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Zuberbuhler reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
FIFTH DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS CITATION
Awarded for Actions During Vietnam War Service: Air Force; Rank: Captain
CITATION: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Rudolph Ulrich Zuberbuhler (AFSN: FV-3120127), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4 Aircraft Commander over North Vietnam on 15 August 1972. On that date, Captain Zuberbuhler led a flight of four F-4 Phantom Aircraft which was part of a force tasked to dispense a chaff corridor from an Initial Point to the target in order to provide radar shielding for a follow-on strike force. After beginning their chaff run, the force was engaged by enemy aircraft, however, Captain Zuberbuhler, in the face of extreme danger, continued his mission and constructed the valuable chaff corridor. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Zuberbuhler reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
BRONZE STAR MEDAL CITATION
Awarded for Actions During Vietnam War Service: Air Force; Rank: Major
CITATION: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major Rudolph Ulrich Zuberbuhler (AFSN: FV-3120127), United States Air Force, for meritorious service while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 1972 to March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM GALLANTRY CROSS UNIT CITATION
The award of the Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm by the Republic of Vietnam to HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES MILITARY ASSISTANCE COMMAND and its subordinate units for service in Vietnam from 8 February 1962 to 28 March 1973.
CITATION: HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES MILITARY ASSISTANCE COMMAND and its subordinate units performed splendidly in the Republic of Vietnam from 8 February 1962 to 28 March 1973. It advised and supported the Vietnamese Army, Navy and Air Force while enhancing their combat capabilities, allowing for the successful completion of important and continuing search and destroy military operations. These actions resulted in the annihilation or routing of regular, large size North Vietnamese Army units by Republic of Vietnam troops. Aside from its combat-related support role, the UNITED STATES MILITARY ASSISTANCE COMMAND contributed toward the establishment and modernization of critical military bases, assuring that the varied and many construction programs were being accomplished. Additionally, this American force greatly assisted the South Vietnamese people in the realization of a higher standard of living through its medical and civil action programs for war victims, refugees, troops, orphans, and widows. Most noteworthy was the monumental efforts put forth by the UNITED STATES MILITARY ASSISTANCE COMMAND in the Vietnamization Program, resulting in a smooth and efficient transfer of military bases and equipment to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces. The result of such laudable actions by this group of dedicated individuals has been the installation of a proud and confident spirit in the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces which will allow for the continuation of a determined effort to hold back the Communist aggressor and assuring that this Southeast Asian country survives in a free and democratic atmosphere. The remarkable proficiency and devotion to duty displayed by members of the UNITED STATES MILITARY ASSISTANCE COMMAND were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.