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 Major General Fred Albert Haeffner (AFSN: FR-53403), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Haeffner distinguished himself as Vice Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, from 7 July 1983 to 21 June 1985. In this important assignment, General Haeffner provided strong support and guidance to an upgrade program that involved a large portion of the fighter force in FIFTH Air Force. Through his unrelenting efforts, dynamic leadership, extraordinary foresight, and great skill, General Haeffner propelled the Pacific Air Forces to unprecedented levels of combat readiness and preparedness to meet any contingency. In an environment of increasing threat from nearby potential foes, he ensured that the people and forces in the Pacific were vigilant, capable, prepared, and ready to swiftly and decisively carry out any mission. Due to his initiative and foresight, not only mission readiness, but also the quality of life for the people in the PACIFIC Air Forces improved significantly. Numerous facilities to support people were upgraded, modern officer and enlisted dormitories were built, and new morale welfare recreational facilities were completed. General Haeffner’s superb leadership and astute management of a host of programs, force improvements, planning efforts, and quality of life initiatives will remain hallmarks in the Pacific Theater and will reap benefits for years to come. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Haeffner reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Fred Albert Haeffner (AFSN: FR-53403), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Haeffner distinguished himself as Deputy Inspector General for Inspection and Safety, Headquarters United States Air Force, and Commander, Air Force Inspection and Safety Center, Norton Air Force Base, California, from 19 July 1985 to 31 October 1987. During this period, General Haeffner’s outstanding achievements and innovative and dynamic leadership contributed significantly to the high state of readiness of the United States Air Force, resulting in enhanced national security and a safer environment for our people. His superior initiative and devotion to duty and country clearly contributed to the saving of hundreds of lives and millions of dollars of vital resources. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Haeffner culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.