AFA Endorses Legislation to Award Bob Lodge the Medal of Honor

ARLINGTON, Va., June 2, 2026 — The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) proudly supports legislation to posthumously award United States Air Force pilot Maj. Robert “Bob” Alfred Lodge the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War.

Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, announced plans to introduce a bill in the House of Representatives to award Lodge the medal during an AFA Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Aerospace Nation webinar. Pfluger is a former Air Force combat pilot and Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.

“Valor exists in many forms across our armed forces, and Maj. Lodge stands as an outstanding example of the courage found in our cockpits,” Pfluger told AFA in a statement. “As a fighter wing weapons officer with knowledge of highly classified intelligence sources and methods, Maj. Lodge knew he could not fall into enemy hands. He made the ultimate sacrifice, deliberately choosing to ride a crippled aircraft to his death to protect that information.” 

The proposed legislation builds on advocacy led by former pilots including Col. Charles B. “Chuck” DeBellevue, USAF (Ret.), the nation’s last Active-duty fighter ace and a squadron mate of Lodge during the Vietnam War. Over the past year, AFA has supported the pilots’ efforts in a sustained campaign to raise awareness, including published articles, podcasts, video storytelling, and panel discussions, as well as other organizational support.

“Maj. Bob Lodge exemplified the selfless spirit of the American Military Hero. He put the mission and his comrades first, sacrificing his own life and security to protect secrets, plans, and mission effectiveness,” said Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.), AFA President & CEO. “It is also notable that the people who are fighting for his recognition today are here now because of Bob Lodge’s valor, heroism, and sacrifice more than 50 years ago.”

Lodge served as chief of the Fighter Tactics Branch for the 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing and flew combat missions as an F-4 Phantom pilot with the wing’s 555th Fighter Squadron. His development of new tactics, along with his push to equip the wing with more advanced F-4Ds, helped turn the tide of the air campaign over Vietnam.

On May 10, 1972, Lodge’s aircraft was disabled by enemy fire during a combat mission north of Hanoi. Recognizing that his knowledge of highly classified tactics and capabilities would result in a significant intelligence risk if he were captured, Lodge chose not to eject from his crippled aircraft. He was killed when the plane crashed in North Vietnam. Lodge is credited with five Silver Stars—the most awarded to any member of the Air Force or Army Air Forces—as well as five Distinguished Flying Crosses.

The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest military decoration, awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

To learn more about Maj. Bob Lodge’s story and this effort, visit afa.org/boblodge

About AFA 

The Air & Space Forces Association is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 association dedicated to advocating for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Force, Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. Founded in 1946, AFA is the single largest entity of its kind focused on air and space power. With more than 350,000 members and 200 chapters spread around the world, our mission is to promote dominant U.S. Air Force and Space Force as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect the enduring heritage of the Air Force and Space Force. 

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