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 Bruce Gerald Leonard, Jr. (AFSN: FR-80481), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 31 May 1972. On that date, Captain Leonard, an F-4D Aircraft Commander, was element leading a flight of four F-4D aircraft on a Combat Air Patrol mission in support of a strike force attacking vital targets in the vicinity of Kep Airfield, North Vietnam. During the mission the flight provided protection for the strike force by engaging eleven hostile aircraft, and Captain Leonard further gave immediate and direct support to the members of his own flight by engaging and shooting down a hostile aircraft that was attacking the lead element. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Leonard has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.



