Willis Uhls graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1968. He was killed in action while serving as a U.S. Air Force First Lieutenant during the Vietnam War.
Sponsored by:
Willis
Grant
Uhls
KIA (RVN)
1946-11-26
–
1971-02-11
Born:
Pueblo
,
Colorado
Home:
Spearfish
,
South Dakota
Buried:
Colorado Springs
,
Colorado
Cemetery:
U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
56th Special Operations WingDivision:
7th Air ForceAction Date:
September 22, 1970
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Willis Grant Uhls (AFSN: FR-3196550), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 22 September 1970. On that date, flying under adverse conditions, over extremely hazardous terrain through sustained anti-aircraft and small arms fire, Lieutenant Uhls maintained his aircraft in the area to direct allied tactical air against dangerous hostile force’s positions and targets. Through his personal bravery and energetic application of his knowledge and skill he significantly furthered the goal of the United States in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Uhls in the dedication of his service to his country reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
56th Special Operations WingDivision:
7th Air ForceAction Date:
April 20, 1970
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Willis Grant Uhls (AFSN: FR-3196550), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller with Detachment 1, 56th Special Operations Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, in action near Kiem Kan, Republic of Vietnam, on 20 April 1970. On that date, Lieutenant Uhls flew in support of a beleaguered ground unit culminating in their defeat of a large hostile force. Despite mountainous terrain and intense anti-aircraft fire Lieutenant Uhls skillfully guided his unarmed aircraft low over the area to mark hostile positions for strike aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Uhls reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
56th Special Operations WingDivision:
7th Air ForceAction Date:
February 11, 1971
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Willis Grant Uhls (AFSN: FR-3196550), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving the Detachment 1, 56th Special Operations Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, in action in action in Southeast Asia on 11 February 1971. On that date, Lieutenant Uhls flew his aircraft under adverse conditions through intensive ground fire in support of free world forces. He continuously flew low passes through heavy and accurate anti-aircraft and small arms fire to accurately mark the target, causing heavy damages against the opposing hostile force’s positions and targets. Through his personal gallantry and energetic application of his knowledge and skill he significantly furthered the goal of the United States in Southeast Asia. By his gallantry and devotion to duty in the dedication of his service to his country Lieutenant Uhls has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
56th Special Operations WingDivision:
7th Air ForceAction Date:
April 19, 1970
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Willis Grant Uhls (AFSN: FR-3196550), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Detachment 1, 56th Special Operations Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, near Nghia, Xuan, Republic of Vietnam, on 19 April 1970. On that date, Lieutenant Uhls was responsible for saving the friendly village of Nghia Xuan from being overrun and destroyed by courageously flying his damaged aircraft to direct tactical air power on the threatening hostile forces. After successfully repulsing the hostile assault, Lieutenant Uhls skillfully landed his damaged aircraft at his nearby unimproved airfield, thereby saving a valuable combat aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Uhls has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.