The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Leonard A. Gonzales (AFSN: 2227075), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1F Helicopter Pilot over the Republic of Vietnam on 4 November 1968. On that date, Major Gonzales completed his assigned objective in accordance with the highest standards. The tenacity and aggressiveness of this officer to complete the objective with professional airmanship and outstanding courage reflects only the highest degree of devotion to his mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Gonzales reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Leonard A. Gonzales (AFSN: 2227075), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1F Pilot near Duc Co, Republic of Vietnam, on 25 November 1968. On that date, Major Gonzales repeatedly flew his UH-1F Helicopter Gunship through intense ground fire deep in hostile territory. Major Gonzales’ repeated minigun and rocket passes on hostile weapon and rocket positions were responsible for the rescue of a Special Forces Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Gonzales reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Leonard A. Gonzales (AFSN: 2227075), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1F Helicopter Aircraft Commander near Duc Lap, Republic of Vietnam on 2 September 1968. On that date, Major Gonzales repeatedly flew his UH-1F helicopter gunship through intense ground fire deep within hostile territory to relieve a seven man Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol that was on the verge of being overrun. This courageous and aggressive attack disorganized the hostile forces sufficiently to allow the rescue of the patrol. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Gonzales reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.