Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Colonel (Air Corps) Clifford John Heflin (AFSN: FR-1885/ASN: 0-22617), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in early July 1944. During this period, Colonel Heflin voluntarily served as pilot of an unarmed airplane on special missions over enemy occupied territory and fraught with danger of enemy attack. Adverse weather conditions were encountered over most of the route forcing Colonel Heflin to fly at low altitude. Colonel Heflin’s ability to overcome the manifold problems incident to the execution of this war mission demonstrated a high degree of courage and flying skill, and the results of his actions contributed materially to the success of a highly important and military undertaking.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps), [then Lieutenant Colonel]

    Action Date:

    World War II

    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 Colonel (Air Corps), [then Lieutenant Colonel] Clifford John Heflin (AFSN: FR-1885/ASN: 0-22617), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement, while serving with distinction as Pilot of a B-24 airplane on numerous Special Operations missions over enemy occupied Europe. Colonel Heflin performed his duties with the utmost skill and his actions while engaged in combat with the enemy have been an example to his fellow crewmen. The courage, determination and exceptional skill displayed by Colonel Heflin contributed materially to the successful completion of each of these missions and reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    July 25, 1963 – May 31, 1968
    Department of the Air Force, Special Orders GB-148 (April 12, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel Clifford John Heflin (AFSN: FR-1885/ASN: 0-22617), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander, Lowry Technical Training Center, Air Training Command, from 25 July 1963 to 31 May 1968. In this important assignment, the forceful leadership, professional knowledge, and dedicated efforts of Colonel Heflin contributed significantly to the improvement and further development of a technical training program tailored to meet world-wide requirements for the United States and allied armed forces. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Heflin culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country, and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    November 1, 1943 – July 15, 1944
    Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 35 (March 14, 1945)

    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 Colonel (Air Corps) Clifford John Heflin (AFSN: FR-1885/ASN: 0-22617), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period 1 November 1943 to 15 July 1944.