Freddie Poston served as an enlisted aviation cadet in World War II and received his wings and commission in March 1945. As a pilot he flew 100 combat missions during the Korean War, and subsequently flew 225 combat missions in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. He retired on August 1, 1981, as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General.
Sponsored by:
Freddie
Lee
Poston
1925
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
February 15, 1971 – May 22, 1972
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 Brigadier General Freddie Lee Poston (AFSN: FR-26876), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Commander of the 57th Fighter Weapons Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, from 15 February 1971 to 22 May 1972. In this important assignment, the dynamic leadership, foresight, and ceaseless efforts of General Poston resulted in significant contributions to the success and effectiveness of the 57th Fighter Weapons Wing and tactical fighter forces worldwide. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by General Poston reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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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 First Lieutenant Freddie Lee Poston (AFSN: FR-26876), United States Air Force, for outstanding courage, extraordinary fine leadership, and excellent technique on 27 July 1951, in connection with United Nations military operations against the armed enemy in Korea, while leading a flight of eight F-80 type aircraft on an extremely successful dive bombing mission near the city of Pyongyang, Korea. Although weather en route to the target was extremely inclement, Lieutenant Poston led his flight to the target area with no loss of time or fuel. Upon approaching the target area heavy flak was encountered. Although under heavy anti-aircraft fire, and in spite of the marginal weather, Lieutenant Poston calmly and with precision initiated the attack on to the warehouses, camouflaged buildings, and caves. As a direct result of his aggressive leadership, at least ten direct hits were scored and six near misses, close enough to destroy or damage the objective. Lieutenant Poston’s leadership and flawless technique in flying and gunnery, under these adverse conditions, brought loss to the enemy of four warehouses, seven camouflaged buildings, and caves filled with urgently needed supplies and equipment. Lieutenant Poston’s outstanding skill, high degree of judgment, and aggressive leadership bring great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Freddie Lee Poston (AFSN: FR-26876), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 pilot in Southeast Asia on 28 October 1967. On that date, Colonel Poston led a flight of F-100 aircraft in an attack against entrenched positions in close support of allied ground forces. With superb accuracy, Colonel Poston’s flight dive-bombed and destroyed the hostile positions thus contributing to the unimpeded advance of the ground forces. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Poston reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
June 9, 1972 – August 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 Brigadier General Freddie Lee Poston (AFSN: FR-26876), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while assigned as Deputy Director of Operations, Directorate of Operations, United States Readiness Command, from 9 June 1972 to 31 August 1974. During this period, the leadership, diligence, and devotion to duty of General Poston resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness of the command in meeting its commitments. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Poston reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Readiness Command, and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
September 1, 1974 – April 3, 1979
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 Freddie Lee Poston (AFSN: FR-26876), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Poston distinguished himself as Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, as Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations and Intelligence, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and as Commander, THIRTEENTH Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, from 1 September 1974 to 3 April 1979. In these important assignments, the forceful leadership and dedicated efforts of General Poston were reflected in the readiness and effectiveness of his command. Under his guidance the Crow Valley Electronic Warfare/Tactical Range and Cope Thunder Tactical Fighter Training Group were established, greatly enhancing our tactical capability throughout the Pacific. As Commander of the THIRTEENTH Air Force, his dynamic direction and persistence resulted in the attainment of a satisfactory accord with the Philippine Government concerning the United States-Philippine Military Bases Agreement thus assuring continued unhampered operation of United States Forces. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Poston reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
309th Tactical Fighter SquadronAction Date:
August 9, 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 Lieutenant Colonel Freddie Lee Poston (AFSN: FR-26876), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 309th Tactical Fighter Squadron, as Flight Leader of three tactical fighter aircraft supporting an air assault operation in the Song Re Valley, Republic of Vietnam, on 9 August 1967. Lieutenant Colonel Poston engaged several 12.7 millimeter anti-aircraft positions which had disrupted the air assault and inflicted heavy casualties on the friendly ground forces. While attacking the suspected gun positions, the flight was subjected to intense anti-aircraft weapons fire from an undetermined location. Without regard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Colonel Poston made a simulated low altitude attack over the target area to draw the hostile fire thus enabling his wingman to pinpoint and destroy the anti-aircraft site with 20 millimeter fire. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Poston has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Freddie Lee Poston (AFSN: FR-26876), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Poston distinguished himself as Chief of Staff, Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, from May 1979 to 1 August 1981. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Poston 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.