The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Captain Leroy Clyde Schaneberg (AFSN: 0-328349277), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an HH-53B Copilot in Southeast Asia on 5 December 1969. On that date, Captain Schaneberg and his fellow crewmembers attempted the rescue of two downed American airmen from one of the most heavily defended hostile areas in Southeast Asia. This rescue attempt was continued until the helicopter was in imminent danger of being downed, at which time, Captain Schaneberg provided direction around hostile gun positions in their egress of the area, saving not only his own life, but also those of his fellow crewmembers. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Schaneberg in the dedication of his service to his country reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.



