Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Major Howard Allen Corson, Jr. (AFSN: FR-69669), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Republic of South Vietnam, from 19 April 1975 to 2 May 1975. During this period, Major Corson displayed exemplary skill and outstanding airmanship in the face of hostile fire during extended hours of flight under substandard night weather conditions to evacuate the American Ambassador, American citizens and other foreign nationals from the besieged city of Saigon. Major Corson’s perseverance in operating his CH-053 on numerous sorties from an unfamiliar aircraft carrier environment into dimly illuminated landing zones was a major factor in the return of more than 7,000 men, women and children from a life or death situation to waiting rescue ships. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Corson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Regiment:

    100th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    July 21, 1969

    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 Howard Allen Corson, Jr. (AFSN: FR-69669), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a CH-3E Pilot, 100th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Operating Location RE, DaNang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 21 July 1969. On that date, Captain Corson’s exceptional initiative and professional skill enabled him to complete an extraordinarily difficult and important mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Corson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    July 1, 1981 – July 31, 1983

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Howard Allen Corson, Jr. (AFSN: FR-69669), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States AS Chief, Community Relations Division, Office of Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Washington, District of Columbia, from 1 July 1981 to 31 July 1983. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Corson resulted in significant contributions toward understanding of the Air Force mission, and thereby to the success of the Air Force Public Affairs program. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Corson culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    May 15, 1975
    Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Order GB-0158 (August 6, 1975)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Howard Allen Corson, Jr. (AFSN: FR-69669), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on Koh Tang Island in the Gulf of Thailand on 15 May 1975. On that date, Major Corson was the Aircraft Commander of a CH-53 aircraft delivering a contingent of United States Marines to the Island. The aircraft on its approach to the landing zone received severe damage from hostile fire and crashed into the water just off the shoreline. Major Corson, although wounded and in spite of the continuing hostile fire around him, marshaled the United States Marines and managed to move them out to sea where rescue occurred three hours later. This courageous action aided in the recovery of the S.S. MAYAGUEZ and its crew. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Corson has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.