TFH 12/16: Major Robert S. Beale, USAF and Major Paul J. Mongillo, USAFR

SEAD - Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses. It is one of the most dangerous combat missions an aviator can fly. These brave pilots make themselves the targets. They attack anti-aircraft gun and missile sites and the radars that enable them. They are the ones who protect our bombers and attack aircraft from ground defenses so that they reach their targets.

On this day in 1967, two gallant airmen (one a reservist) climbed aboard their Republic F-105 Thunderchief in Thailand on a mission to support air attacks on the communist North Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. They faced intense flak. They had 18 surface-to-air missiles fired at them. Even after their plane was struck by enemy fire, they did not give up on their vital mission of protecting strike aircraft from those same weapons. One survived, one gave his life for his Nation and liberty.

Through their skill and courage, all of the other aircraft they were clearing the way for reached their target and returned safely. For their skill and courage, both Major Robert S. Beale and Major Paul John Mongillo received our Nation's second highest honor: the Air Force Cross. (Name links to Military Times' Hall of Valor records)

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 Major Robert S. Beale (AFSN: 0-57324), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot of the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, during a missile suppression mission on an isolated vital military target near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 16 December 1967. On that date, Major Beale braved many concentrations of heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire and eighteen surface-to-air missiles as he successfully led his missile suppression flight in diverting the hostile defenses away from the main strike force. He contributed to the destruction of one missile site only three miles from the center of the heavily defended target area and damaged at least one other missile complex. As a result of his actions, the main strike force suffered no losses, encountered only four missiles, and successfully destroyed this vital military target. Through his superb airmanship, aggressiveness, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Beale reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.


The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Major Paul John Mongillo (AFSN: FV 0-3087591), United States Air Force (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Thunderchief Electronics Warfare Officer of the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action against an isolated vital military target near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 16 December 1967. On that date, Major Mongillo braved many concentrations of heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire and eighteen surface-to-air missiles as he successfully led his missile suppression flight in diverting the hostile defenses away from the main strike force. He contributed to the destruction of one missile site only three miles from the center of the heavily defended target area and damaged at least one other missile complex. As a result of his actions, the main strike force suffered no losses, encountered only four missiles, and successfully destroyed this vital military target. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Mongillo reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Major Paul Mongillo is remembered on Panel 32E, Line 15 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

Robert Beale retired from the United States Air Force in 1979 with the rank of Colonel. He also received a Silver Star medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service in Vietnam as well as two awards of the Legion of Merit for his peacetime exceptional service.

Beale and Mongillo's squadron, the 44th Fighter, still flies in defense of liberty and our great Nation today. They are part of the 18th Operations Group of the 18th Wing, based at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa.