The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Darel Dean Leetun, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a combat strike pilot, 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, over the panhandle area of Southern Laos on 1 February 1965. On that date, Captain Leetun willfully and unhesitatingly pressed the attack against known well emplaced communist insurgent automatic anti-aircraft gun emplacements. Through his heroic perseverance and outstanding professional airmanship while flying at dangerously low altitudes through intense enemy ground fire, he directed the delivery of explosive ordnance so effectively that the enemy gun emplacements were silenced. Captain Leetun’s outstanding heroism, leadership, courage and selfless devotion to duty under fire reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Darel Dean Leetun, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 6 July 1966. On that date, under intense hostile ground fire which downed the lead aircraft, Captain Leetun successfully prevented hostile surface-to-air missiles from being launched at an important striking force. Captain Leetun directed his own firepower at a surface-to-air missile site and barely escaped the deadly missiles fired at him during his attack. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Leetun reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Captain Darel Dean Leetun, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a combat aircrew member in Southeast Asia on 30 June 1966. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from unfriendly forces, Captain Leetun demonstrated cool courage, undaunted determination, and superior skill in pressing home devastating air attacks against hostile positions. Persevering in the face of danger and death, he relentlessly and effectively aided in neutralizing the hostile forces. Captain Leetun displayed outstanding heroism and devotion to duty and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.