US Naval Academy class of 1962. Former member of the Blue Angels. Captain Tolbert was a member of Attack Squadron 56, Carrier Air Wing 5 aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS MIDWAY (CVA-41). On November 6, 1972, he was the pilot of a Vought Attack Aircraft Corsair II (A-7B) on a reconnaissance mission into Nghe An Province, North Vietnam when his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire in the starboard wing. As he headed towards the coast the plane caught fire and crashed within 1 1/2 miles from the coast. His remains were recovered on November 3, 1988.
Suggested edit, Additional information:
Lieutenant Commander Clarence Orfield Tolbert was born on June 04, 1939 and had 14 years of service in the U.S. Navy, arriving in Vietnam assigned to Attack Squadron 56 (VA-56), Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5), USS Midway (CVA-41), Task Force 77 (TF-77), 7th Fleet.
On November 06, 1972 LCDR Tolbert launched in his Vought Corsair II A-7B launched in a flight of two on a reconnaissance mission into Nghe An Province, North Vietnam. His aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire in the starboard wing during the mission. Lieutenant Commander Tolbert immediately turned the aircraft towards the coast, the favored evasion route, just as it caught fire. The fire went out within seconds but the aircraft continued to stream fuel. Within 1 1/2 miles from the coast the flight controls apparently froze and the aircraft impacted the ground in a flat spin. Lieutenant Commander Tolbert's wingman observed the aircraft from the time it was hit until impact with the ground and observed no ejection or parachute. No radio communication was established during the whole episode. An active search and rescue effort was discontinued due to lack of visual or voice contact. An article appeared in the November 15, 1972 edition of Nhan Dan newspaper in Hanoi which stated that the Vietnamese forces had shot down a U.S. aircraft on that date and that the pilot ejected but the parachute did not open. LCDR Tolbert was listed as Missing in Action. While in the MIA status LCDR Tolbert was promoted to Commander. On March 23, 1978 the status of CDR Clarence Tolbert was changed from Missing in Action to Killed in Action. On November 03, 1988 remains were returned to the United States and on February 17, 1989 the remains were identified as belonging to CDR Clarence Orfield Tolbert. CDR Tolbert had previously been awarded the Silver Star for a flight on May 01, 1966 and a Distinguished Flying Cross for a flight on July 07, 1966. Note: CDR Tolbert had been shot down on a previous flight, had landed in the water and was rescued.
Lieutenant Commander Clarence Orfield Tolbert is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 1W, Line 89.
CITATION: SILVER STAR
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Clarence Orfield Tolbert (NSN: 0-659511/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 1 May 1966 as a pilot in Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VA-216), embarked in USS HANCOCK (CVA-19), during a strike against an enemy surface-to-air missile site in North Vietnam. Lieutenant Tolbert provided essential intelligence regarding the location of the missile site and its defenses, voluntarily piloted his aircraft as the strike leader's wingman and deliberately exposed himself to a missile firing in order to determine the exact location of the launching site. In the face of an intense barrage of medium antiaircraft fire, he made repeated bombing attacks on the site, inflicting heavy damage to several missile launchers. When his aircraft was severely crippled by two successive multiple-round antiaircraft bursts, Lieutenant Tolbert displayed unusual resourcefulness and exceptional airmanship in bringing the aircraft aboard ship to a safe landing using emergency manual flight controls. His courageous actions and outstanding performance in the face of intense enemy fire reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
CITATION: DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Clarence Orfield Tolbert (NSN: 0-659511/1310), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 7 July 1966 as a pilot in Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VA-216), embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CVA-19). While flying as wingman in the last division of aircraft, Lieutenant Tolbert demonstrated outstanding courage and determination in the face of heavy enemy opposition during a coordinated attack against the heavily-defended POL facility at Haiphong, North Vietnam. He executed a well-coordinated and perfectly timed attack through an intense barrage of enemy anti-aircraft fire, scoring several direct hits. His exceptional bombing accuracy under the most difficult and hazardous conditions was responsible for the destruction of a large pump house and extensive damage to several oil storage tanks, thus contributing significantly to the overall extraordinary success of this mission. Lieutenant Tolbert's heroic actions and exceptional airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Contributor: Bruce Barney (48607679)
Suggested edit, Additional information:
Lieutenant Commander Clarence Orfield Tolbert was born on June 04, 1939 and had 14 years of service in the U.S. Navy, arriving in Vietnam assigned to Attack Squadron 56 (VA-56), Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5), USS Midway (CVA-41), Task Force 77 (TF-77), 7th Fleet.
On November 06, 1972 LCDR Tolbert launched in his Vought Corsair II A-7B launched in a flight of two on a reconnaissance mission into Nghe An Province, North Vietnam. His aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire in the starboard wing during the mission. Lieutenant Commander Tolbert immediately turned the aircraft towards the coast, the favored evasion route, just as it caught fire. The fire went out within seconds but the aircraft continued to stream fuel. Within 1 1/2 miles from the coast the flight controls apparently froze and the aircraft impacted the ground in a flat spin. Lieutenant Commander Tolbert's wingman observed the aircraft from the time it was hit until impact with the ground and observed no ejection or parachute. No radio communication was established during the whole episode. An active search and rescue effort was discontinued due to lack of visual or voice contact. An article appeared in the November 15, 1972 edition of Nhan Dan newspaper in Hanoi which stated that the Vietnamese forces had shot down a U.S. aircraft on that date and that the pilot ejected but the parachute did not open. LCDR Tolbert was listed as Missing in Action. While in the MIA status LCDR Tolbert was promoted to Commander. On March 23, 1978 the status of CDR Clarence Tolbert was changed from Missing in Action to Killed in Action. On November 03, 1988 remains were returned to the United States and on February 17, 1989 the remains were identified as belonging to CDR Clarence Orfield Tolbert. CDR Tolbert had previously been awarded the Silver Star for a flight on May 01, 1966 and a Distinguished Flying Cross for a flight on July 07, 1966. Note: CDR Tolbert had been shot down on a previous flight, had landed in the water and was rescued.
Lieutenant Commander Clarence Orfield Tolbert is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 1W, Line 89.
CITATION: SILVER STAR
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Clarence Orfield Tolbert (NSN: 0-659511/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 1 May 1966 as a pilot in Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VA-216), embarked in USS HANCOCK (CVA-19), during a strike against an enemy surface-to-air missile site in North Vietnam. Lieutenant Tolbert provided essential intelligence regarding the location of the missile site and its defenses, voluntarily piloted his aircraft as the strike leader's wingman and deliberately exposed himself to a missile firing in order to determine the exact location of the launching site. In the face of an intense barrage of medium antiaircraft fire, he made repeated bombing attacks on the site, inflicting heavy damage to several missile launchers. When his aircraft was severely crippled by two successive multiple-round antiaircraft bursts, Lieutenant Tolbert displayed unusual resourcefulness and exceptional airmanship in bringing the aircraft aboard ship to a safe landing using emergency manual flight controls. His courageous actions and outstanding performance in the face of intense enemy fire reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
CITATION: DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Clarence Orfield Tolbert (NSN: 0-659511/1310), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 7 July 1966 as a pilot in Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VA-216), embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CVA-19). While flying as wingman in the last division of aircraft, Lieutenant Tolbert demonstrated outstanding courage and determination in the face of heavy enemy opposition during a coordinated attack against the heavily-defended POL facility at Haiphong, North Vietnam. He executed a well-coordinated and perfectly timed attack through an intense barrage of enemy anti-aircraft fire, scoring several direct hits. His exceptional bombing accuracy under the most difficult and hazardous conditions was responsible for the destruction of a large pump house and extensive damage to several oil storage tanks, thus contributing significantly to the overall extraordinary success of this mission. Lieutenant Tolbert's heroic actions and exceptional airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Contributor: Bruce Barney (48607679)
US Naval Academy class of 1962. Former member of the Blue Angels. Captain Tolbert was a member of Attack Squadron 56, Carrier Air Wing 5 aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS MIDWAY (CVA-41). On November 6, 1972, he was the pilot of a Vought Attack Aircraft Corsair II (A-7B) on a reconnaissance mission into Nghe An Province, North Vietnam when his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire in the starboard wing. As he headed towards the coast the plane caught fire and crashed within 1 1/2 miles from the coast. His remains were recovered on November 3, 1988.
Suggested edit, Additional information:
Lieutenant Commander Clarence Orfield Tolbert was born on June 04, 1939 and had 14 years of service in the U.S. Navy, arriving in Vietnam assigned to Attack Squadron 56 (VA-56), Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5), USS Midway (CVA-41), Task Force 77 (TF-77), 7th Fleet.
On November 06, 1972 LCDR Tolbert launched in his Vought Corsair II A-7B launched in a flight of two on a reconnaissance mission into Nghe An Province, North Vietnam. His aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire in the starboard wing during the mission. Lieutenant Commander Tolbert immediately turned the aircraft towards the coast, the favored evasion route, just as it caught fire. The fire went out within seconds but the aircraft continued to stream fuel. Within 1 1/2 miles from the coast the flight controls apparently froze and the aircraft impacted the ground in a flat spin. Lieutenant Commander Tolbert's wingman observed the aircraft from the time it was hit until impact with the ground and observed no ejection or parachute. No radio communication was established during the whole episode. An active search and rescue effort was discontinued due to lack of visual or voice contact. An article appeared in the November 15, 1972 edition of Nhan Dan newspaper in Hanoi which stated that the Vietnamese forces had shot down a U.S. aircraft on that date and that the pilot ejected but the parachute did not open. LCDR Tolbert was listed as Missing in Action. While in the MIA status LCDR Tolbert was promoted to Commander. On March 23, 1978 the status of CDR Clarence Tolbert was changed from Missing in Action to Killed in Action. On November 03, 1988 remains were returned to the United States and on February 17, 1989 the remains were identified as belonging to CDR Clarence Orfield Tolbert. CDR Tolbert had previously been awarded the Silver Star for a flight on May 01, 1966 and a Distinguished Flying Cross for a flight on July 07, 1966. Note: CDR Tolbert had been shot down on a previous flight, had landed in the water and was rescued.
Lieutenant Commander Clarence Orfield Tolbert is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 1W, Line 89.
CITATION: SILVER STAR
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Clarence Orfield Tolbert (NSN: 0-659511/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 1 May 1966 as a pilot in Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VA-216), embarked in USS HANCOCK (CVA-19), during a strike against an enemy surface-to-air missile site in North Vietnam. Lieutenant Tolbert provided essential intelligence regarding the location of the missile site and its defenses, voluntarily piloted his aircraft as the strike leader's wingman and deliberately exposed himself to a missile firing in order to determine the exact location of the launching site. In the face of an intense barrage of medium antiaircraft fire, he made repeated bombing attacks on the site, inflicting heavy damage to several missile launchers. When his aircraft was severely crippled by two successive multiple-round antiaircraft bursts, Lieutenant Tolbert displayed unusual resourcefulness and exceptional airmanship in bringing the aircraft aboard ship to a safe landing using emergency manual flight controls. His courageous actions and outstanding performance in the face of intense enemy fire reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
CITATION: DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Clarence Orfield Tolbert (NSN: 0-659511/1310), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 7 July 1966 as a pilot in Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VA-216), embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CVA-19). While flying as wingman in the last division of aircraft, Lieutenant Tolbert demonstrated outstanding courage and determination in the face of heavy enemy opposition during a coordinated attack against the heavily-defended POL facility at Haiphong, North Vietnam. He executed a well-coordinated and perfectly timed attack through an intense barrage of enemy anti-aircraft fire, scoring several direct hits. His exceptional bombing accuracy under the most difficult and hazardous conditions was responsible for the destruction of a large pump house and extensive damage to several oil storage tanks, thus contributing significantly to the overall extraordinary success of this mission. Lieutenant Tolbert's heroic actions and exceptional airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Contributor: Bruce Barney (48607679)
Suggested edit, Additional information:
Lieutenant Commander Clarence Orfield Tolbert was born on June 04, 1939 and had 14 years of service in the U.S. Navy, arriving in Vietnam assigned to Attack Squadron 56 (VA-56), Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5), USS Midway (CVA-41), Task Force 77 (TF-77), 7th Fleet.
On November 06, 1972 LCDR Tolbert launched in his Vought Corsair II A-7B launched in a flight of two on a reconnaissance mission into Nghe An Province, North Vietnam. His aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire in the starboard wing during the mission. Lieutenant Commander Tolbert immediately turned the aircraft towards the coast, the favored evasion route, just as it caught fire. The fire went out within seconds but the aircraft continued to stream fuel. Within 1 1/2 miles from the coast the flight controls apparently froze and the aircraft impacted the ground in a flat spin. Lieutenant Commander Tolbert's wingman observed the aircraft from the time it was hit until impact with the ground and observed no ejection or parachute. No radio communication was established during the whole episode. An active search and rescue effort was discontinued due to lack of visual or voice contact. An article appeared in the November 15, 1972 edition of Nhan Dan newspaper in Hanoi which stated that the Vietnamese forces had shot down a U.S. aircraft on that date and that the pilot ejected but the parachute did not open. LCDR Tolbert was listed as Missing in Action. While in the MIA status LCDR Tolbert was promoted to Commander. On March 23, 1978 the status of CDR Clarence Tolbert was changed from Missing in Action to Killed in Action. On November 03, 1988 remains were returned to the United States and on February 17, 1989 the remains were identified as belonging to CDR Clarence Orfield Tolbert. CDR Tolbert had previously been awarded the Silver Star for a flight on May 01, 1966 and a Distinguished Flying Cross for a flight on July 07, 1966. Note: CDR Tolbert had been shot down on a previous flight, had landed in the water and was rescued.
Lieutenant Commander Clarence Orfield Tolbert is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 1W, Line 89.
CITATION: SILVER STAR
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Clarence Orfield Tolbert (NSN: 0-659511/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 1 May 1966 as a pilot in Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VA-216), embarked in USS HANCOCK (CVA-19), during a strike against an enemy surface-to-air missile site in North Vietnam. Lieutenant Tolbert provided essential intelligence regarding the location of the missile site and its defenses, voluntarily piloted his aircraft as the strike leader's wingman and deliberately exposed himself to a missile firing in order to determine the exact location of the launching site. In the face of an intense barrage of medium antiaircraft fire, he made repeated bombing attacks on the site, inflicting heavy damage to several missile launchers. When his aircraft was severely crippled by two successive multiple-round antiaircraft bursts, Lieutenant Tolbert displayed unusual resourcefulness and exceptional airmanship in bringing the aircraft aboard ship to a safe landing using emergency manual flight controls. His courageous actions and outstanding performance in the face of intense enemy fire reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
CITATION: DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Clarence Orfield Tolbert (NSN: 0-659511/1310), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 7 July 1966 as a pilot in Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VA-216), embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CVA-19). While flying as wingman in the last division of aircraft, Lieutenant Tolbert demonstrated outstanding courage and determination in the face of heavy enemy opposition during a coordinated attack against the heavily-defended POL facility at Haiphong, North Vietnam. He executed a well-coordinated and perfectly timed attack through an intense barrage of enemy anti-aircraft fire, scoring several direct hits. His exceptional bombing accuracy under the most difficult and hazardous conditions was responsible for the destruction of a large pump house and extensive damage to several oil storage tanks, thus contributing significantly to the overall extraordinary success of this mission. Lieutenant Tolbert's heroic actions and exceptional airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Contributor: Bruce Barney (48607679)
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