Robert Francis Ronca
Major, U.S. Air Force

Robert Francis Ronca enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in December 1942 and entered the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Army Air Forces in June 1943. He earned his commission and rating as Pilot at Foster Field, TX, in March 1944 and was deployed to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations.

Robert Francis Ronca flew F-86 fighters during the Korean War and was credited with one aerial victory.

On 19 February 1965, Major Robert Francis Ronca was serving as Pilot of an F-100 Super Sabre Aircraft of the 613th Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, during the Vietnam War.

On that date, Maj Ronca led an air strike on an objective of extreme importance in Southeast Asia. After aggressively attacking the target on the first pass, Maj Ronca's aircraft was severely damaged by intense ground fire. Realizing the importance of totally destroying his objective, Maj Ronca assured his flight that he could continue the mission and aggressively led a 2nd attack. Although his aircraft was critically damaged, Maj Ronca's determined attack was completed and resulted in heavy damages to the opposing forces before his crippled plane crashed into the target area. Maj Ronca’s extraordinary heroism and superb airmanship that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Air Force's second highest award for valor, the Air Force Cross.

Maj Ronca was listed as Missing In Action following the mission that earned him the Air Force Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Air Force Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross with Bronze Star
Purple Heart
Air Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Silver and 2 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star
Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star
Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star
Air Force Longevity Service Award with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Philippine Liberation Medal with Bronze Star
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Command 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 Major Robert Francis Ronca (AFSN: 0-41457), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an F-100 Aircraft of the 613th Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia on 19 February 1965. On that date, Major Ronca led an air strike on an objective of extreme importance. After aggressively attacking the target on the first pass, Major Ronca's aircraft was severely damaged by the intense ground fire. Realizing the importance of totally destroying his objective, Major Ronca, with complete disregard for his own safety, reassured his flight that he could continue the mission and did aggressively lead a second attack. Although his aircraft was critically damaged, a determined attack was successfully completed resulting in heavy damages to the opposing forces before his crippled aircraft crashed into the target area. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Ronca reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Honors

The name Robert F Ronca is located on Panel 1E Line 93 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Major Robert Francis Ronca is buried at Alexandria Memorial Gardens in Woodworth, Rapides Parish, LA.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/154179082/robert-francis-ronca