(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Medical Corps) Earl William Brannon, Jr., United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of the U.S. Air Force Hospital, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, from July 1964 to June 1966. General Brannon was responsible for expansion of the hospital facility and formulation of plans for five clinical residency programs. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Brannon and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Brigadier General Earl William Brannon, Jr., United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Surgeon, SEVENTH Air Force, in the Republic of Vietnam from July 1966 to July 1967. General Brannon was responsible for more than a two-fold expansion of medical facilities and services in support of the U.S. Air Force mission. He instigated an improved system of aeromedical evacuation of battle casualties and stimulated the “care of the flyer” program in Southeast Asia. Under his direction, a number of projects were instituted to evaluate and improve personal equipment, protective armor, and survival gear for combat aircrews. He also made contributions to the Vietnamese civilian health and welfare program and assisted the U.S. Agency for International Development public health teams. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Brannon and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.