Pfluger Pushes Posthumous Medal of Honor for Vietnam Pilot Who Died Protecting Secrets

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), a decorated fighter pilot and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, introduced legislation to posthumously award Air Force Major Bob Lodge the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions to protect the United States during the Vietnam War, even when it meant losing his own life.

"I'm proud to introduce legislation authorizing the President of the United States to award the Medal of Honor to Major Robert Lodge for his actions on May 10, 1972, during the Vietnam War," Rep. Pfluger said. "As a fighter wing weapons officer with knowledge of highly classified intelligence sources and methods, Major 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. Valor exists in many forms across our armed forces, and Major Lodge stands as an outstanding example of the courage found in our cockpits. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress, the President, Secretary Hegseth, and Secretary Meink to ensure his heroism is properly recognized."

Read the full text of the legislation here.