Monte Larue Moorberg
Captain, U.S. Air Force

Monte Larue Moorberg was a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in the Class of 1961

On 2 December 1966, Captain Monte Larue Moorberg was serving as Pilot of an F-105D Thunderchief of the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, during the Vietnam War.

On that date, Capt Moorberg led a flight of F-105 Thunderchiefs against the Phuc Yen Petroleum and Oil Storage Facility, located 14 miles north of Hanoi, North Vietnam. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire, at least three SA-2 missile launches, a constant threat of MiG fighter attacks, and exceptionally adverse weather, Capt Moorberg led his flight to, and successfully put his ordnance on, the target. Capt Moorberg's calm and courageous leadership was instrumental in enabling his flight to return safely. While flying in the target area, Capt Moorberg's aircraft caught fire for unknown reasons, broke apart, and crashed, killing him. Capt Moorberg's extraordinary heroism and superb airmanship that day earned him the U.S. Air Force's second highest award for valor, the Air Force Cross.

A strong enemy presence in the area prevented the recovery of Capt Moorberg's remains at the time. In 1985, the Vietnamese government repatriated human remains correlating to this loss, and U.S. investigators were able to identify Capt Moorberg from those remains. The remains were returned on 14 August 1985

Medals, Awards and Badges

Air Force Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross
Purple Heart
Air Medal with Silver and 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Medal
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star
Air Force Longevity Service Award
Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Air Force Pilot Badge

Air Force Cross Citation

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 Captain Monte Larue Moorberg (AFSN: 0-62699), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief of the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action on 2 December 1966. On that date, Captain Moorberg led a flight of F-105 Thunderchiefs against the Phuc Yen Petroleum and Oil Storage Facility, located 14 miles north of Hanoi, North Vietnam. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire, at least three SA-2 missile launches, a constant threat of MiG fighter attacks, and exceptionally adverse weather, he led his flight to, and successfully put his ordnance on the target. His calm and courageous leadership was instrumental in enabling his flight to return safely. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Moorberg reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Honors

The name Monte L Moorberg is located on Panel 13E Line 5 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Captain Monte Larue Moorberg is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Arlington County, VA.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19372821/monte-larue-moorberg