Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Hal P. Henning (AFSN: 0-76933), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over North Vietnam on 13 August 1967. On that date, Captain Henning was a member of the flak suppression flight targeted against a vital railroad yard in North Vietnam. Captain Henning attacked one of three firing sites and was responsible for destruction of the site to such a point that the last flight of the main strike force rolling in on the target received no anti-aircraft fire. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Henning reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    469th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    June 27, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1476 (September 22, 1967)

    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 Captain Hal P. Henning (AFSN: 0-76933), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 27 June 1967. On that date, Captain Henning flew a flak suppression mission in support of an attack on the Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel Complex. With complete disregard of the SA-2 missiles launched at him and despite the heavy anti-aircraft fire, Captain Henning silenced a battery of 85-millimeter guns, thereby reducing the hazard for his fellow pilots. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Henning reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    469th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    August 23, 1967

    Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Order G-29 (January 30, 1968)

    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 Captain Hal P. Henning (AFSN: 0-76933), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Pilot of the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia, on 23 August 1967. On that date, Captain Henning led a flight of four F-105 Thunderchiefs to a highly successful strike against vital military targets located five miles from Hanoi. After braving a MiG attack that claimed two aircraft and anti-aircraft fire that downed another, Captain Henning led his flight back into the target area to aid a fellow pilot who was under fire from attacking MiGs. Captain Henning’s heroic and gallant act was instrumental in saving a fellow combat pilot and his damaged aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Henning has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    469th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    July 31, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-2017 (November 16, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Seventh Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Hal P. Henning (AFSN: 0-76933), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot over North Vietnam on 31 July 1967. On that date, flying through intense anti-aircraft fire, Captain Henning exhibited superior initiative and courage as he pressed an attack on a hostile surface-to-air missile complex. Persevering in the face of danger he participated in the destruction of one hostile missile site while suppressing four others in providing security for a major strike force attacking a heavily defended target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Henning reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    469th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    October 1, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-2384 (December 30, 1967)

    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 addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Ninth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Hal P. Henning (AFSN: 0-76933), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot over North Vietnam on 1 October 1967. On that date, Captain Henning successfully attacked a vital airfield in North Vietnam. In spite of intense hostile fire over the target and SA-2 missiles launched at him, Captain Henning accurately bombed the runway, helping to render it unserviceable. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Henning reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    January 31, 1986 – October 31, 1987

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Hal P. Henning (AFSN: 0-76933), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Deputy Director for Forces, Directorate of Programs and Evaluation, Deputy Chief of Staff, Programs and Resources, Headquarters United States Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia, from 31 January 1986 to 31 October 1987. During this period, Colonel Henning’s broad understanding of force structure and force programming made him the leader in producing those high quality force programming changes in the tactical fighter, airlift, rescue, air defense, space, command, control, and communications resources necessary to see the United States Air Force into the twenty-first century. Through his keen insight, superlative planning ability, and total understanding of weapons systems, he integrated the efforts of our diverse and independent force programming divisions into a single balanced and effective warfighting organization, despite stringent budget requirements. Colonel Henning has shown himself to be the Air Staff leader in development of programs that are effective, efficient, and comply with both the spirit and intent of the President’s strategic modernization program. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Henning culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    469th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    August 24, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1987 (1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Hal P. Henning (AFSN: 0-76933), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot near North Vietnam on 24 August 1967. On that date, Captain Henning braved extremely heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire to release all his ordnance on the vital rail yard. By pressing his attack Captain Henning destroyed several rail cars and did considerable damage to these important rail lines. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Henning reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    469th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    September 10, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-2139 (December 1, 1967)

    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 addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of an Eighth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Hal P. Henning (AFSN: 0-76933), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot in North Vietnam on 10 September 1967. On that date, Captain Henning was a member of Splendid Flight which attacked and destroyed the vital railroad bridge complex. Despite marginal weather and anti-aircraft fire, Captain Henning delivered all ordnance on target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Henning reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    469th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    November 6, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1290 (May 1, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of an Eleventh Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Hal P. Henning (AFSN: 0-76933), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against an opposing armed force over North Vietnam on 6 November 1967. On that date, Captain Henning led a flight of four F-105 Thunderchiefs aimed to attack the anti-aircraft defenses surrounding a vital military target in the vicinity of Hanoi. In spite of an accurate surface-to-air missile attack which downed his wingman and concentrated anti-aircraft fire directly at him, Captain Henning led his flight on a highly successful mission which silenced several of the gun positions in the immediate target area. The outstanding heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Henning reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Hal P. Henning (AFSN: 0-76933), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

  • Air Force Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    469th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    October 27, 1967

    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-407 (August 1, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Captain Hal P. Henning (AFSN: 0-76933), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Pilot of the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 27 October 1967. On that date, Captain Henning was the leader of a force of twenty F-105 Thunderchiefs assigned to attack an extremely vital military storage area in the vicinity of Hanoi, North Vietnam. En route to the target, his aircraft was extensively damaged by shrapnel from a surface-to-air missile. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Henning continued on to the assigned target with his crippled aircraft. Diving through intense anti-aircraft fire, delivering his bombs precisely on target, he was successful in heavily damaging the storage complex. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Henning reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.