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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Technical Sergeant LeRoy M. Wright, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the Flight Engineer of an HH-3E “Jolly Green Giant” rescue helicopter in Southeast Asia on 29 December 1968. On that date, Sergeant Wright flew an extremely hazardous mission under the constant threat of hostile fire and attack. In spite of this, he superbly accomplished this highly intricate mission and successfully rescued the crew of another rescue helicopter. 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 Sergeant Wright reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Batallion:

    40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group

    Division:

    Son Tay Volunteer Task Force

    Action Date:

    November 21, 1970

    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 Technical Sergeant LeRoy M. Wright, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as Helicopter Flight Mechanic aboard an HH-3E Rescue Helicopter the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group, as part of an all-volunteer joint U.S. Army and Air Force raiding force in the Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed heliborne assault mission to rescue United States military personnel held as prisoners of war at Son Tay prison in North Vietnam, on 21 November 1970. Although suffering injury to his left foot and ankle during the landing in the prison compound, Sergeant Wright remained with the helicopter until all passengers and crew had exited the aircraft despite the possibility of aircraft explosion. Sergeant Wright then vigorously moved to an exposed area and, with complete disregard for his own life, placed extremely effective covering fire on enemy positions which endangered the operation thus freeing the Army element within the compound to continue its mission. Sergeant Wright, ignoring the intense pain of his injury, courageously moved unassisted more than 200 meters with the Army element to the extraction landing zone. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Sergeant Wright reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.