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Lot 2607    SESSION 17 (11.30AM FRIDAY 25TH NOV)    Other Countries

Estimate $2,200
Bid at live.noble.com.au

USA, AIR FORCE GROUP OF EIGHT FOR SERVICE IN 'TOP SECRET' POSTINGS, includes Distinguished Flying Cross; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal with silver oak leaf cluster (equals 5 awards); Joint Service Commendation Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Vietnam Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; South Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 clasp. Robert J.Rutan, II on fourth medal and R.J.Rutan II on fifth medal, all other medals unnamed as issued. The named medals engraved. Very fine - extremely fine. (8)

Together with bestowal certificates and citations for Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, another for 3rd and 4th oak leaf clusters, and another for 5th oak leaf cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, another for 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, and another for 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster; Certificate in Recognition and Appreciation for Your Performance, Dedication, and Service to the 6944th Security Wing; Language Training Report - qualified as Hebrew Interpreter 18 Sept 1973 and on 21 September 1973 named to the Commandant's List for his superior performance of 96%; Defense Language Institute, East Coast Branch, Certificate of Achievement for outstanding scholastic achievement as a student of Hebrew, dated 21 September 1973; Certificate of Training for USAF First Sergeant Academy 30 June 1978; Diploma issued at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi; Brotherhood Through Sports Certificate, event held in Okinawa, Japan 30 March - 3 April 1979; Certificate of Retirement for Master Sergeant Robert J.Rutan II dated 1 August 1980; Certificate of Appreciation to Margaret I. Rutin on the retirement of her husband from active duty dated 1 August 1980.

Distinguished Flying Cross: Technical Sergeant Robert J.Rutan II distinguished himself by extra-ordinary achievement on 20 December 1970, while participating in aerial flight as a Analyst/Reporter over Southeast Asia while assigned to the 6990th Security Squadron. On that date, Technical Sergeant Rutan demonstrated a high degree of professional ability in the repair and operation of a highly technical piece of equipment making a direct contribution to the successful conclusion of a Southeast mission having high national interest. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Technical Sergeant Rutan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Air Medal: Staff Sergeant Robert J.Rutan II, distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight with the 6990 Security Squadron, United States Air Force Security Service, from 23 December 1967 to 10 April 1968. During this period, the airmanship and courage exhibited by Sergeant Rutan in the successful accomplishment of these important missions, under extremely hazardous conditions, demonstrated his outstanding proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty. The professional ability and outstanding aerial accomplishments of Sergeant Rutan reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Also awarded five oak leaf clusters.

Joint Service Commendation Medal: Staff Sergeant Robert J.Rutan II, AF18594845, United States Air Force, distinguished himself by meritorious service during the period May 1965 to September 1966 while serving as a member of the Joint Sobe Processing Center. Serving as an analyst in an area of critical national concern, Sergeant Rutan demonstrated outstanding qualities of initiative, foresight, thoroughness, and ingenuity. Through his outstanding analytical techniques and constant diligence, he made significant contributions toward the mission of his organization and to the National Defense effort. Sergeant Rutan's exemplary performance and devotion to duty reflect most favourably upon himself, the United States Air Force, the National Security Agency, and the Department of Defense.

Air Force Commendation Medal: Technical Sergeant Robert J.Rutan II distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while assigned to the 6990 Security Squadron, United States Air Force Security Service. His professional skill and initiative on 12 December 1970, aided immeasurably in identifying problems associated with his assigned duties and in implementing procedures and techniques to solve these problems. His energetic application of job knowledge played a significant role in contributing to the effectiveness and success of the United States Air Force mission. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Rutan reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Also awarded two oak leaf clusters.

Master Sergeant Robert J. 'Bob' Rutan, served 1960-1980; 71-73 Thailand; 73-74 Lang School in DC; 74-77 6916th; 77-80 6990th (see note) First Sgt; also served in Omaha and in Greece with 6916th Security Squadron in Athens; Died 1987; the Rutan family had a military service history as 'Bob' Rutan's father, Robert Rutan retired as a Navy Yeoman Senior Chief Petty Officer, one of his sons was Robert Rutan III who retired as a Coast Guard Machinist Chief Petty Officer, another son was Russell Rutan who retired as an Air Force Major, and yet another son was Ronald James Rutan whose last known posting was as Commander at the Navy Yard in Washington DC.

Note: 6990th Security Squadron directly supported RC-135 Combat Apple operations in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and also supported C-130 operations at Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, Vietnam and Korat Royal Air Base, Thailand.

With a considerable amount of research and some photographs.