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 James L. Gardner, Jr. (AFSN: FR-43743), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States as an Operations Staff Officer with the Deputy Director of Strike Support, Directorate of Operations, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations and later with the Special Assistant for Vietnamization, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, Headquarters United States Air Force from 1 January 1969 to 1 June 1972. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty of Colonel Gardner were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the Air Force. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Gardner 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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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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 Major James L. Gardner, Jr. (AFSN: FR-43743), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an O1-E Pilot in Southeast Asia on 29 March 1967. On that date, Major Gardner was a Forward Air Controller directing combat support missions against a superior unfriendly force which was attacking a smaller friendly force. With unwavering calmness and courage, Major Gardner remained over the friendly force for over three hours, constantly drawing hostile fire and continuing to direct strikes upon the hostile force in extremely close proximity to the friendly position. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Gardner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 6, 1972 – July 31, 1974
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel James L. Gardner, Jr. (AFSN: FR-43743), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States as Assistant Deputy Commander, Operations, and Deputy Commander, Operations, 437 Military Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, from 6 July 1972 to 31 July 1974. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty of Colonel Gardner were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Gardner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
May 1, 1975 – February 16, 1978
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel James L. Gardner, Jr. (AFSN: FR-43743), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States as Commander, 438 Military Airlift Wing, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, from 1 May 1976 to 16 February 1978. During this period, the outstanding professional skill, leadership, and ceaseless efforts of Colonel Gardner resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness and success of the Air Force’s airlift mission. Colonel Gardner’s outstanding skill and comprehensive knowledge of military airlift operation significantly improved the worldwide reliability of aircraft assigned to the 438th Military Airlift Wing. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Gardner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
504th Tactical Air Support GroupDivision:
Bien Hoa Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
March 31, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-650 (May 8, 1967)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 James L. Gardner, Jr. (AFSN: FR-43743), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller and Pilot of an O-1 Bird Dog of the 504th Tactical Air Support Group, Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam, in action near Kontum, Republic of Vietnam, on 31 March 1967. On that date, Major Gardner was flying his O-1 Bird Dog aircraft in support of friendly forces engaged in defense of their besieged outpost. Small arms, automatic weapons and three machine guns had already inflicted numerous casualties, when the opposition turned their fire power on Major Gardner. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Major Gardner made repeated low passes over the opposing forces to draw their fire and expose themselves to attacks from the fighter aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Gardner has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.