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 Leland Louis Hildebrand (AFSN: 0-3102270/17522559), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, Cost and Management Analysis, Deputy Chief of Staff, Comptroller, Headquarters, United States Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, from 27 June 1980 to 19 June 1983. During this period, Colonel Hildebrand secured major increases in authorizations needed to restore his functional discipline to the manpower levels of other major commands throughout the Air Force. This enabled command-wide upgrade in analytical support of the United States Air Forces in Europe mission. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Hildebrand reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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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 Major Leland Louis Hildebrand (AFSN: 0-3102270/17522559), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon Systems Operator at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, on 24 November 1971. On that date, Major Hildebrand led a flight of two F-4D tactical fighters against a bunker complex in Southeast Asia. Despite deteriorating weather and antiaircraft fire, Major Hildebrand aided his aircraft commander in delivering his ordnance with unerring accuracy which destroyed three large bunkers, damaged five others, and ignited a large fire which resulted in a large secondary explosion. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Hildebrand reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 1971 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major Leland Louis Hildebrand (AFSN: 0-3102270/17522559), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 1971 to March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 18, 1971 – March 28, 1973
Major Leland Louis Hildebrand (AFSN: 0-3102270/17522559), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 18, 1971 until his release on March 28, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 18, 1971 – March 28, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major Leland Louis Hildebrand (AFSN: 0-3102270/17522559), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 18 December 1971 to 28 March 1973. The North Vietnamese and interrogators and guards kept constant pressure on this officer through harassment, intimidation, and cruelties from which they hoped to gain information and cooperative participation in their propaganda exercises. This individual heroically resisted their treatment in a manner which served as an inspiration to others in the camp and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.