Robert Cardenas became a U.S. citizen in 1936 and graduated from the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque. He served in the California National Guard before entering active duty with the U.S. Air Force. As a B-24 bomber pilot in World War II, he wounded when he was shot down over Germany in March 1944, but made his way back to Allied control. He retired in 1973 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.
Sponsored by:
Robert
L.
Cardenas
1920
–
Awards Received
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Legion of Merit
-
Legion of Merit
-
Legion of Merit
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
July 15, 1971 – June 30, 1973
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 Brigadier General Robert L. Cardenas, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Cardenas distinguished himself as Chief of the National Strategic Target List Division, Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff, Joint Chiefs of Staff, from 15 July 1971 to 30 June 1973. During t his period, General Cardenas was instrumental in accomplishing the mission of the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff, thereby greatly enhancing the overall security posture of the Free World. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Cardenas 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.
-
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 Colonel Robert L. Cardenas, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a combat strike pilot, flight leader, mission coordinator, and as Wing Commander of the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing while deployed to a forward operating base in Southeast Asia on 8 May 1965. On that date, Colonel Cardenas demonstrated diligence and perseverance far exceeding that expected of an aircrew member in a hostile environment. His aerial actions resulted in significantly great contributions, both to the morale of his entire wing, and the effectiveness and success of the United States Air Force in Southeast Asia. His exceptional initiative in combat, and application of professional knowledge, served as an inspiration to all who served under him and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Robert L. Cardenas, United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Cardenas and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Robert L. Cardenas, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Cardenas and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Robert L. Cardenas, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Cardenas and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.