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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 with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Jerry Herbert Ladd (AFSN: FV-3161305), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Pilot over North Vietnam on 2 October 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Ladd was tasked to fly a priority one, night, low level reconnaissance mission. Although confronted with intense hostile ground fire Lieutenant Ladd, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, maneuvered his aircraft over this hostile area at extremely low altitude gaining vital intelligence information facilitating expeditious destruction of hostile artillery positions and supply lines. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Ladd reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant Jerry Herbert Ladd (AFSN: FV-3161305), United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing

    Action Date:

    July 11, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special orders G-2166 (December 4, 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 First Lieutenant Jerry Herbert Ladd (AFSN: FV-3161305), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving Pilot of an F-4C Aircraft of the 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, in action on 11 July 1967, over North Vietnam. On that date, Lieutenant Ladd was fragged to obtain low-level night photography of the northern sector of Mu Gia Pass. While performing his mission, Lieutenant Ladd encountered a large convoy of trucks and with complete disregard for his own personal safety made repeated passes through intense ground fire to pinpoint their exact position. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Lieutenant Ladd reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.