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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major Donald Lester Heiliger (AFSN: FR-55023), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 29 May 1969, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. Major Heiliger resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainRegiment:
388th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
April 30, 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 Captain Donald Lester Heiliger (AFSN: FR-55023), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Pilot of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Force, in action over North Vietnam, on 30 April 1967. On that date, Captain Heiliger conducted the first night radar, low-level mission against one of North Vietnam’s most valuable and heavily defended railroad yards. Even under the best of conditions this mission would have been extremely difficult and dangerous. However, Captain Heiliger flew in the dead of night and in a single, unescorted aircraft. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continued his attack in spite of the threat of numerous missiles and through intense hostile anti-aircraft fire. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Heiliger has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel Donald Lester Heiliger, United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Heiliger reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Major Donald Lester Heiliger (AFSN: FR-55023), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. His ceaseless efforts, by a continuous showing of resistance to an enemy who ignored all international agreements on treatment of Prisoners of War, in the extremely adverse conditions of the communist prisons of North Vietnam, demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion, and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, he continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Donald Lester Heiliger (AFSN: FR-55023), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Heiliger culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 15, 1967 – February 18, 1973
Major Donald Lester Heiliger (AFSN: FR-55023), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 15, 1967 until his release on February 18, 1973.