Citations

United States Presidential Unit Citation

On the recommendation of General Douglas MacArthur, The President of the United States of America (Franklin D. Roosevelt) has cited the following unit of the Royal Australian Air Force:
Number Two Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, is cited for outstanding performance of duty in action during the period from April 18, 1942, to August 25, 1942.  Operating from bases in northwestern Australia, this squadron, equipped with airplanes highly vulnerable to enemy fighter airplanes, made repeated attacks on enemy shipping, airdromes, troops, and installations on and near Timor, Amboina, and other island in the Banda Sea, inflicting heavy damage to enemy material and causing numerous casualties.
It successfully maintained continuous long-range reconnaissance over the waters to the northwest of Australia.  The courage of its members in combat and the high morale of this unit under hazardous combat situations contributed greatly to the success of operations in the area.
This citation was finally awarded to No 2 Squadron on Friday 11th July 1969.

Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm – Unit Citation

The Republic of Vietnam Unit Citation, the Gallantry cross with Palm, was awarded to the 35th TFW which included No 2 Squadron.

CITATION: The 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, United States Air Force, operating in the Republic of Vietnam from September 1968 to the present, has performed in a fantastic manner because of its dedication support personal – and heroic pilots, who, under extremely difficult mission situations, and with personal disregard for the dangers involved, have conducted air strike missions against Communist strongholds and provided air support to operations organized by both the Armies of the Republic of Vietnam and the United States of America in military regions two, three and four.
Heavy losses to enemy fire were inflicted by over fifty-three thousand air strikes and air support missions flown by the F-100 and Canberra units of the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing.
These extremely hazardous missions account for over two thousand five hundred enemy killed in action, thousands of enemy installations, artillery towers, boats, crew served weapons locations destroyed and many miles of communications trench completely disrupted.
Moreover, in another area of achievement, the dispensary established by the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing has assisted the medical civic action programs at Thap Cham, Hai Chu, Dong Yang, and An Xuan villages as well as the Phan Rang village orphanages, so that thousands of people have been provided with life – giving medical treatment.
The ribbon coloured Gallantry Cross with Palm is also presented to all personnel of supporting attached and subordinate units of the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing during period

United States Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with Combat V Device)

CITATION:   The Number Two Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, distinguished itself by exceptional meritorious service in support of military operations against opposing armed forces in Southeast Asia from 19 April 1967 to 31 May 1971.  During this period, Number Two Squadron flew over 11,900 combat sorties in all areas or the Republic of Vietnam in support of the airwar conducted by the United States Air Force.
Although its aircrews were exposed to intense ground fire, surface-to-air missiles barrages, adverse weather, and hazardous terrain, the Number Two Squadron maintained a superior combat record and conducted its operations in a manner that contributed significantly to the mission of the free World Military Forces in Southeast Asia.  The distinctive accomplishments of the Royal Australian Air Force Number Two Squadron reflect great credit upon itself and the Royal Australian Air Force.