Distinguished Flying Cross 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 Lieutenant Colonel Cecil Glen Foster (AFSN: AO-2054256), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander, 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in Southeast Asia on 9 August 1968. On that date, Colonel Foster’s aircraft was struck by hostile anti-aircraft artillery fire which caused critical damage to the airframe of his aircraft, destroyed vital ordnance release circuits, disabled several control surfaces and resulted in a serious in-flight fire. In spite of a large twenty-inch hole in one wing, a hung bomb load and no landing flap, Colonel Foster successfully recovered the aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Foster reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Distinguished Flying Cross 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 Cecil Glen Foster (AFSN: AO-2054256), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot of an F-86 aircraft, 16th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, over North Korea on 22 November 1952. While returning from an RF-80 escort mission, he and his wingman were bounced by four MiG-15s. On the first break, his wingman was hit. Lieutenant Foster immediately rolled over on the two MiG’s attacking his wingman. One broke off but the other continued to press the attack. Two MiG’s were still attacking Lieutenant Foster but, disregarding his own safety, he pressed his attack, spraying his wingman’s attacker and forcing him to bail out. Lieutenant Foster then, through his persistence, encouraged his wingman to stay with the crippled aircraft while he covered him. A bail-out was made in friendly waters and, even though Lieutenant Foster was very low on fuel, he remained with his wingman until successful pick-up was made. He was credited with one MiG-15 destroyed. By his personal courage and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Foster reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Silver Star Citation: 

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Cecil Glen Foster (AFSN: AO-2054256), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as a Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter-Bomber of the 16th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 26 September 1952. On that date, while leading an element of two F-86E type aircraft on a fighter sweep, Lieutenant Foster was attacked by six MiG-15s, and as they passed over, he pursued them. The MiGs then turned and closed on Lieutenant Foster. Although outnumbered and outgunned, he held his course toward the enemy. As they drew together, the MiGs fired across the nose of his aircraft. Lieutenant Foster returned the fire, hitting the enemy flight leader in the tail section, and his wingman in the nose section. Lieutenant Foster’s hits on the enemy flight leader caused the MiG to explode. The second MiG began to smoke while the rest of the flight left the area. Lieutenant Foster made another firing pass on the crippled MiG, raking the entire length of the fuselage, and causing the pilot to parachute. As a result of his disregard for personal safety, superior flying skill and marksmanship, Lieutenant Foster was responsible for the destruction of two MiG-15s, and reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.

Cecil and Margaret Foster 50th wedding anniversary

CECIL GLEN FOSTER

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