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(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 First Lieutenant George Francis Latella, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4 Weapon Systems Officer of the 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia in 1972. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    October 6, 1972 – March 29, 1973

    First Lieutenant George Francis Latella, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 6, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    October 1972 – March 1973

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to First Lieutenant George Francis Latella, United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 1972 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    25th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    August 16, 1972

    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 George Francis Latella, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4 Weapon Systems Officer of the 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia on 16 August 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Latella participated in a strike flight on an assigned mission deep within hostile territory. Braving many surface-to-air missiles fired at his flight and countless rounds of anti-aircraft artillery fire over the target area, Lieutenant Latella was successful in directing his ordnance on the objective, thereby interdicting a valuable supply line that was heavily used by the hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Latella reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.