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 with Combat “V” to Master Sergeant Louis Edward LeBlanc, Jr. (AFSN: AF-12450593), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Gunner in Southeast Asia on 22 December 1972. On that date, Sergeant LeBlanc participated in high priority bombing missions against vital military targets in heavily defended areas of North Vietnam. Despite the intensity of the defensive reaction and the extreme hazard posed by numerous surface-to-air missiles and hostile interceptors, Sergeant LeBlanc displayed extraordinary courage and a remarkable ability to place the mission requirements above his personal safety. He maintained a constant watch for enemy fighter attack and other threats, thus enabling his crew to deliver their ordnance on the designated targets. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant LeBlanc reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.