The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Wallace Addison Ford, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander and as Operations Officer, 6th Air Commando Squadron, Republic of Vietnam, from 15 August 1967 to 24 May 1968. In these important assignments, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Ford resulted in the timely phasing of new equipment and personnel into Southeast Asia and the maximum utilization of all available resources. His dynamic leadership instilled the ultimate in mission accomplishment and sense of responsibility into the men who served with him. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Ford reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
6th Air Commando SquadronRegiment:
14th Air Commando WingDivision:
7th Air ForceAction Date:
April 21, 1968
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Wallace Addison Ford, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1H pilot near A Shau, Republic of Vietnam on 21 April 1968. On that date, Colonel Ford flew a combat support mission against vital hostile storage areas. During the assaults the Forward Air Controller directing the combat support mission came under intensive ground fire from six automatic weapons positions. With complete disregard for his own safety, he made several low level passes against the hostile gun positions, diverted the ground fire against himself and allowed the Forward Air Controller to reach a position of safety. His tenacity and unerring accuracy resulted in supplies vital to the hostile forces effort being destroyed and a fellow pilot being protected from hostile ground fire. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Ford reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
6th Air Commando SquadronRegiment:
14th Air Commando WingDivision:
7th Air ForceAction Date:
May 24, 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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Wallace Addison Ford, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an A-1H Pilot, 6th Air Commando Squadron, 14th Air Commando Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, in Southeast Asia on 24 May 1968. On that date, Colonel Ford drew hostile fire away from a fellow pilot who had bailed out of a crippled aircraft and thus permitted the pilot’s recovery by friendly helicopters. Colonel Ford then attacked and destroyed the hostile gun position which had crippled the friendly aircraft. He then made accurate and devastating attacks in the face of intense hostile fire to produce two hostile ammunition explosions. These courageous attacks were instrumental in defending friendly ground forces from hostile actions. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Force has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.