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 Major Leonard A. Gonzales (AFSN: 2227075), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1F Helicopter Aircraft Commander near Duc Lap, Republic of Vietnam on 2 September 1968. On that date, Major Gonzales repeatedly flew his UH-1F helicopter gunship through intense ground fire deep within hostile territory to relieve a seven man Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol that was on the verge of being overrun. This courageous and aggressive attack disorganized the hostile forces sufficiently to allow the rescue of the patrol. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Gonzales reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Air Force Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
20th Special Operations SquadronDivision:
Nha Trang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
November 26 – 27, 1968
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Major Leonard A. Gonzales (AFSN: 2227075), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1F gunship helicopter of the 20th Special Operations Squadron, Nha Trang Air Base, Vietnam, in action near Duc Co, Republic of Vietnam, on the night of 26 – 27 November 1968. On that date, Major Gonzales went to the aid of a six-man Special Forces Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol that was in danger of being overrun by a large, well-armed hostile force. Major Gonzales made continued minigun and rocket passes at treetop level, even after his wingman had been hit. His aggressive attacks sufficiently quelled the hostile fire to allow a transport helicopter to pick up the beleaguered patrol. Through his superb airmanship, aggressiveness, and extraordinary heroism, Major Gonzales reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
20th Special Operations SquadronDivision:
Nha Trang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
November 4, 1968
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-510 (February 16, 1969)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 Major Leonard A. Gonzales (AFSN: 2227075), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1F Helicopter Pilot over the Republic of Vietnam on 4 November 1968. On that date, Major Gonzales completed his assigned objective in accordance with the highest standards. The tenacity and aggressiveness of this officer to complete the objective with professional airmanship and outstanding courage reflects only the highest degree of devotion to his mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Gonzales reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
20th Special Operations SquadronDivision:
Nha Trang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
November 25, 1968
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Leonard A. Gonzales (AFSN: 2227075), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1F Pilot near Duc Co, Republic of Vietnam, on 25 November 1968. On that date, Major Gonzales repeatedly flew his UH-1F Helicopter Gunship through intense ground fire deep in hostile territory. Major Gonzales’ repeated minigun and rocket passes on hostile weapon and rocket positions were responsible for the rescue of a Special Forces Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Gonzales reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
20th Special Operations SquadronDivision:
Nha Trang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
August 25, 1968
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 Major Leonard A. Gonzales (AFSN: 2227075), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1F Helicopter Gunship Pilot near Duc Lap, Republic of Vietnam, on 25 August 1968. On that date, Major Gonzales repeatedly flew through very intense hostile fire in order to place his ordnance against an overwhelming force which was attacking a Special Forces Camp. His aggressive attack broke the spirit of the hostile troops and permitted a friendly relief force to link up with the besieged camp. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Gonzales reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.