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 lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Leonard William Lilley (AFSN: 0-17012A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in action against enemies of the United Nations while serving as Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter, 334th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, in Korea on 30 August 1952. While leading a flight of four F-86’s to patrol the Sui Ho Reservoir area he sighted another flight of F-86’s being attacked by two MiGs 3,000 feet below his flight. Captain Lilley pressed an immediate attack dispersing the MiGs from any further attack on the F-86’s. He continued to press his vicious attack and followed a MiG through several evasive maneuvers before he could bring his guns into firing position. Captain Lilley fired a long burst into the MiG causing it to explode and burn with the pilot ejecting. The enemy aircraft behind him began firing several short bursts but through Captain Lilley’s superior airmanship he managed to evade the MiG’s guns. Being critically low on fuel, Captain Lilley and wingman returned to base. His superlative airmanship and heroism on this occasion led to the destruction of one MiG and saved another flight of F-86’s from possible damage or destruction, reflecting the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
334th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronRegiment:
4th Fighter-Interceptor WingDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
September 4, 1952
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 Leonard William Lilley (AFSN: 0-17012A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in action against enemies of the United Nations while serving as Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter, 334th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, in Korea on 4 September 1952. While leading four F-86’s on a reciprocal patrol in the Sakchu area at 22,000 feet his flight became separated while letting down through an overcast. Continuing with his wingman eight MiG’s were observed at 15,000 feet heading south. Pressing an attack on the leader, he was about to close when a second MiG broke into his line of fire. Disregarding his attack he fired scoring hits on the fuselage and around the wing roots. The pilot ejected just before the MiG started a violent spin, crashing to the ground near Nawsi. The superlative airmanship and devotion to duty displayed on this occasion by Captain Lilley reflect the highest credit upon himself, his comrades-in-arms of the United Nations, and the United States Air Force.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
334th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronRegiment:
4th Fighter-Interceptor GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
November 18, 1952
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 30 (January 20, 1953)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Leonard William Lilley (AFSN: 0-17012A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations as Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter, 334th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action in Korea, on 18 November 1952. On that date while leading a flight of four F-86s near the Chong Chon River in North Korea, Captain Lilley went to the aid of friendly fighter aircraft under attack from enemy MiG aircraft. Sighting one of the enemy MiGs pulling up from a firing pass, Captain Lilley, flying at maximum speed, closed to fire. Suddenly the enemy’s aircraft stalled, making imminent a crash with the on-rushing F-86. Reacting instantly, Captain Lilley, in one motion, fired an accurate lethal burst and skillfully maneuvered past the right wing of the MiG, successfully avoiding a collision. At the moment he pulled past the MiG, it exploded, rocking Captain Lilley’s aircraft violently and sending it temporarily out of control; but with superb airmanship, he regained control and rejoined his flight. A later check disclosed that Captain Lilley had expended only one hundred and eighty rounds of ammunition in downing this, his fifth enemy aircraft. Through his high personal courage in going to the aid of friendly fighters and his keen airmanship, marksmanship and devotion to duty, Captain Lilley upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.