Major Hedlund received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Nebraska in 1938 and his master of science degree at the University of Illinois in 1939. He then accomplished two years of graduate work toward his doctorate degree, but this was interrupted by his entry into military service in 1941. After serving as a Fighter Pilot in the Army Air Forces in World War II, during which he was credited with assisting in destruction of one enemy aircraft in aerial combat, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1973 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General.
Sponsored by:
Earl
Clifford
Hedlund
July 16, 1916
–
July 21, 2002
Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
Awards Received
-
Legion of Merit
-
Legion of Merit
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Service Cross
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Earl Clifford Hedlund (ASN: 0-362396), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hedlund and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Earl Clifford Hedlund (ASN: 0-362396), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hedlund and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
79th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
20th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Earl Clifford Hedlund (ASN: 0-362396), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 79th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Force of the United States.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
79th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
20th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Earl Clifford Hedlund (ASN: 0-362396), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 79th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Force of the United States.
-
Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
79th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
20th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
August 23, 1944
Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 13 (February 4, 1945)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Corps) Earl Clifford Hedlund (ASN: 0-362396), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 79th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 23 August 1944. Major Hedlund’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant GeneralAction Date:
July 1967 – July 1971
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Earl Clifford Hedlund (ASN: 0-362396), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Hedlund distinguished himself as Director, Defense Supply Agency, Department of Defense, from July 1967 to July 1971. During this period, General Hedlund skillfully directed a major Defense agency by constantly employing the most progressive and advanced management techniques and procedures. He met the many difficult and complex challenges of his position with rare executive ability, managerial excellence, enlightened leadership, and a comprehensive knowledge of military logistics. The quality and effectiveness of his performance have commanded the respect of the Congress, the Defense establishment, and other governmental agencies and activities, and industry. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hedlund reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.