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 Colonel Henry B. Kucheman, Jr. (AFSN: FR-8353), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1 August 1954 to 27 November 1957 as Chief of the Weapons and Missiles Branch; Director of Technical Support; and, Deputy Commander for Testing, Headquarters, Air Force Armament Center, Elgin Air Force Base, Florida. Colonel Kucheman’s exceptional leadership has been consistently reflected in the numerous improvements made in the testing of Air Force Armament and in the highly instrumented range operations required to accomplish this testing. His contributions in these areas have resulted in more accurate and significant test results. The leadership, ability and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Kucheman have reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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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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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
October 31, 1972 – August 31, 1975
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Henry B. Kucheman, Jr. (AFSN: FR-8353), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Kucheman distinguished himself as Commander, Armament Development and Test Center, Elgin Air Force Base, Florida, from 31 October 1972 to 31 August 1975. In this important assignment, the forceful leadership and the outstanding and dedicated efforts of General Kucheman guided the research development and testing of munitions specifically tailored to the requirements of the Air Force. Through his unselfish devotion to duty the current and future operational capabilities of the United States Air Force have been immeasurably increased. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Kucheman 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.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
February 2, 1966 – June 10, 1968
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-442 (August 20, 1968)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Henry B. Kucheman, Jr. (AFSN: FR-8353), 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 as Vice Commander of the Aeronautical Systems Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, from 2 February 1966 to 10 June 1968. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Kucheman and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Henry B. Kucheman, Jr. (AFSN: FR-8353), United States Air Force, was awarded 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. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Kucheman and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
354th Fighter SquadronDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Henry B. Kucheman, Jr. (AFSN: FR-8353), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot with the 354th Fighter Squadron, EIGHTH Air Force, in action during 82 combat missions in the European Theater of Operations, and the destruction of four enemy aircraft, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Force of the United States.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
354th Fighter SquadronDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Henry B. Kucheman, Jr. (AFSN: FR-8353), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot with the 354th Fighter Squadron, EIGHTH Air Force, in action during 82 combat missions in the European Theater of Operations, and the destruction of four enemy aircraft, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Force of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
November 7, 1961 – January 1, 1966
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-30 (February 15, 1966)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 Henry B. Kucheman, Jr. (AFSN: FR-8353), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director of Air Force Space Boosters, Ballistic Missile Division; and subsequently as Deputy for Unmanned Systems, from 7 November 1961 to 1 January 1966. In his latter position, he was responsible for management and development of the U.S. Air Force unmanned military satellite research and development programs including the nuclear detection satellite program, the Defense Communications Satellite Program, and other military communications satellite programs. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Kucheman and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
354th Fighter SquadronDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Henry B. Kucheman, Jr. (AFSN: FR-8353), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot with the 354th Fighter Squadron, EIGHTH Air Force, in action during 82 combat missions in the European Theater of Operations, and the destruction of four enemy aircraft, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Force of the United States.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
354th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
355th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 510 (October 10, 1944)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Henry B. Kucheman, Jr. (AFSN: FR-8353/0-437025), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 354th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Kucheman, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.