The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Neil L. Eddins, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Pilot of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 14 July 1966. On that date, Major Eddins was the leader of a flight of F-105’s as well as Mission Commander of the Combat Support Force assigned to destroy a vital railroad and highway bridge near Hanoi, North Vietnam. Despite adverse weather conditions, extremely heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire, and the constant threat from numerous SA-2 surface-to-air missile sites, he led this force to the total destruction of the assigned target without the loss of a single pilot or aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Eddins has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Brigadier GeneralRegiment:
552d Airborne Warning and Control WingDivision:
Tinker Air Force Base, OklahomaAction Date:
August 29, 1979 – July 20, 1981
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 Brigadier General Neil L. Eddins, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Eddins distinguished himself as Commander, 552d Airborne Warning and Control Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, from 29 August 1979 to 20 July 1981. During this period General Eddins successfully managed the most complex and highly visible operation ever established within one tactical wing. His sound management techniques enabled the 552d Airborne Warning and Control Wing to compile numerous impressive operational and exercise achievements with marked national and international significance in furthering the policies, interests, and security of the United States. Throughout this period, his leadership and concern for the welfare of his personnel created a unit with espirit de corps, commitment, and the ability to perform difficult missions well. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Eddins reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
388th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Neil L. Eddins, United States Air Force, was awarded a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia from 1966 to 1977. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Neil L. Eddins, 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 Eddins and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
388th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Neil L. Eddins, United States Air Force, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia from 1966 to 1977. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
388th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Neil L. Eddins, United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia from 1966 to 1977. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
388th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Neil L. Eddins, United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia from 1966 to 1977. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Neil L. Eddins, 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 Eddins and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
388th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Neil L. Eddins, United States Air Force, 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 a Pilot of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia from 1966 to 1977. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.