The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Edward Watson Leonard, Jr. (AFSN: FR-59295), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as as an A-1# Skyraider Pilot of the 602d Fighter Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 23 August 1967. On that date, Captain Leonard participated in a successful rescue effort for a downed pilot just ten miles south of Dong Hoi, North Vietnam. The pilot had been downed by intense anti-aircraft artillery fire and bailed out near a major highway within range of numerous unfriendly gun positions. Despite these overwhelming defenses, Captain Leonard remained in the immediate area for over two hours during which time two of the rescue aircraft sustained battle damage in this successful venture. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Leonard reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Edward Watson Leonard, Jr. (AFSN: FR-59295), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1# Skyraider Pilot of the 602d Fighter Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 10 July 1967. On that date, Captain Leonard was flying his A-1E Skyraider in support of a search and rescue effort for a downed F-105 pilot located less than three hundred yards from a heavily defended infiltration route. Captain Leonard voluntarily risked his life by making numerous low passes in this area despite low ceilings, mountainous terrain and devastating ground fire which damaged two of the rescue aircraft on several passes. Captain Leonard remained in the area for well over an hour and contributed significantly to the recovery of the downed pilot as well as inflicting heavy losses upon the hostile forces opposing the rescue effort. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Leonard reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 to Captain Edward Watson Leonard, Jr. (AFSN: FR-59295), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1# Skyraider Pilot of the 602d Fighter Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 26 June 1967. On that date, Captain Leonard was flying his A-1E Skyraider in support of friendly ground forces engaged in defense of their beleaguered outpost. With unwavering calmness and courage, Captain Leonard attacked and destroyed critical storage areas, troop emplacements and anti-aircraft gun positions despite mountainous terrain, low cloud cover and withering fire from the hostile forces which damaged two of the friendly aircraft. Captain Leonard remained in this hostile area for more than one hour making approximately fifteen passes against the unfriendly positions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Leonard reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.