The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel John R. Boyd, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander, Task Force Alpha, and as Commander, 56th Combat Support Group, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, from 17 April 1972 to 11 April 1973. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty of Colonel Boyd in these two vital positions were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the Air Force. His unmatched efforts were directly responsible for the development of policies and programs that were major factors in the success of military operations in Southeast Asia. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Boyd reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorAction Date:
November 15, 1963 – June 30, 1966
Department of the Air Force, Special Orders GB-269 (September 12, 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 Major John R. Boyd, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while assigned to the Deputy for Effectiveness Test, Air Proving Ground Center, Elgin Air Force Base, Florida, from 15 November 1963 to 30 June 1966. During this period, Major Boyd developed the Energy Maneuverability concept of quantitatively measuring air vehicle performance in terms of total energy available and its relation to the operational maneuverability and efficiency of the vehicle. Energy Maneuverability has gained wide acceptance and is extensively employed throughout the Air Force. Through his own initiative and efforts, Major Boyd has made a significant contribution in the field of aeronautics. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major Boyd reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
May 10, 1973 – August 31, 1975
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel John R. Boyd, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief, Development Plans and Analysis Group, Directorate of Operational Requirements and Development Plans, Deputy Chief of Staff, Research and Development, Headquarters United States Air Force, from 10 May 1973 to 31 August 1975. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Boyd resulted in significant contributions to improvement of development planning, enhancement of tactical combat aircraft forces, initiation of advanced prototype efforts, refinement of the requirements process and the resolution of countless other complex problems of major importance to the Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Boyd culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainAction Date:
April 1, 1959 – August 31, 1960
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 Captain John R. Boyd, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while assigned duty as Academic Supervisor, Pilot W1115B, USAF Fighter Weapons School, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, during the period 1 April 1959 through 31 August 1960. Although outside the normal purview of his duty assignment, Captain Boyd developed mathematically-accurate and operationally-sound tactics for effective employment of the GAR-8 Missile, devoting hundreds of hours of his off-duty time. Use of his concepts in the training of tactical aircrews has resulted in a marked improvement in operational readiness of tactical fighter squadrons within the United States Air Force, and, through training missions, has increased the combat capabilities of friendly foreign countries. In selflessly giving of his time and efforts to this project, Captain Boyd had made a significant contribution to the defense posture of the United States and has reflected the greatest of credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.