The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Edward N. LeFaivre (MCSN: 0-30579), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam from 6 August 1967 to 13 August 1968. Throughout this period, Colonel LeFaivre performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as Commanding Officer of Marine Aircraft Group Thirteen, he molded his unit into a well-trained, strongly motivated strike force capable of accomplishing all assigned missions, despite adverse conditions. Under his dynamic leadership, his aircrews completed over 13,000 combat sorties and delivered more than 26,000 tons of ordnance on enemy targets, contributing significantly to the success of fifty tactical operations. On 31 January 1968, when the Chu Lai Air Base came under an intense rocket attack which damaged hangars, flight line and billeting facilities and caused large secondary explosions, Colonel LeFaivre immediately took charge of the situation and restored his squadrons to operational readiness within eight hours. Responsive to the needs of the Vietnamese populace, he supervised an extensive Civic Action Program and worked tirelessly to improve health and welfare of the local villagers and refugees. Reassigned on 26 March 1968 as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4, Headquarters, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, Colonel LeFaivre displayed exceptional professionalism and resourcefulness in directing and coordinating the fulfillment of the Wing’s myriad logistic support requirements. His remarkable ability to analyze potential problem areas and initiate immediate preventing measures earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the operational effectiveness of his unit. By his professionalism, superb leadership and unwavering devotion to duty throughout, Colonel LeFaivre rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel LeFaivre is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Awards Received
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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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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Edward N. LeFaivre (MCSN: 0-30579), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an F-4D-1 All Weather Fighter at the Naval Air Missile Test Center, Point Mugu, California, on 22 and 23 May 1958. Facing the dangers of a spin from near-vertical climbs in successive flights from a standing start, Major LeFaivre excelled four existing world records by climbing to 3,000 meters (9,842.5 feet) in 44.39 seconds; to 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) in one minute 6.13 seconds to 9,000 meters (29,527.5 feet) in one minute 29.81 seconds and to 12,000 meters (39,370 feet) in one minute 51.23 seconds, thereby breaking the existing world records set by France in February 1957. A climb to 15,000 meters (49,212.5 feet) in two minutes 36.05 seconds established the first official climb record to this height. In addition, the combined effect of engine flame-out, low airspeed and near-vertical altitude during the completion of the climb to 15,000 meters made a spin probable without sufficient control for recovery. Through his superb airmanship, initiative, and determination in the face of hazardous flight conditions, Major LeFaivre successfully demonstrated the maximum capabilities of the F-4D-1, and focused public attention on the contributions to the aeronautical developments made by the Navy and Marine Corps in advancing military aviation and national security. His outstanding professional skill and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron 513 (VMF(AW)-513)Action Date:
October 7, 1951
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 – 1955 (Jane Blakeney)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Edward N. LeFaivre (MCSN: 0-30579), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a fighter Plane in Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VMF(AW)-513), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 7 October 1951. Discovering an enemy motor convoy on a winding mountain road while he was participating in a night intruder mission in the Singosan area, Captain LeFaivre carried out a series of daring napalm, bombing and strafing attacks on the objective, completely destroying nine vehicles and damaging four others. His skilled airmanship, marked courage and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
Marine Night Fighting Squadron 533 (VMF(N)-533)Action Date:
June 15 – 23, 1945
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 – 1955 (Jane Blakeney)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Edward N. LeFaivre (MCSN: 0-30579), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Night Fighting Squadron FIVE HUNTED THIRTY-THREE (VMF(N)-533), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Okinawa Shima, Nansei Shoto Area, from 15 to 23 June 1945. Completing his twentieth night combat mission during this period, First Lieutenant LeFaivre contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Edward N. LeFaivre (MCSN: 0-30579), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from July 1971 to May 1972 while assigned to Headquarters, United States Marine Corps as Executive Officer in the office of the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff (Programs). Colonel LeFaivre displayed outstanding initiative and imagination in carrying out his assigned duties of translating plans into programs responsive to the requirements of the Marine Corps. Exhibiting a sound understanding and firm grasp of Planning, Programming and Budgeting System, he was instrumental in coordinating and developing high level policy and in providing support data for use by the Commandant of the Marine Corps when addressing critical matters with the Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations and other top-level government officials. His objective approach, expert guidance and calm demeanor were an inspiration to seniors, contemporaries and subordinates alike. Through his outstanding professional competence, sound judgment, executive skill and loyal, steadfast devotion to duty, Colonel LeFaivre reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Edward N. LeFaivre (MCSN: 0-30579), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star 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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron 513 (VMF(AW)-513)Division:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
January 29, 1952
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain Edward N. LeFaivre (MCSN: 0-30579), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a fighter Plane in Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VMF(AW)-513), in Korea on 21 October 1951. Discovering a large enemy motor convoy near Kosan-ni during his initial reconnaissance of the sector while engaged in a night intruder mission deep in hostile territory, Captain LeFaivre skillfully directed the accompanying flare-dropping aircraft in illuminating the objective and initiated a series of daring attacks on the target. Quickly assessing the mountainous terrain in the immediate vicinity and selecting the only feasible lane of approach and recovery, he carried out repeated bombing, napalm and staffing attacks until all his ordnance was expended, destroying ten vehicles, including two fuel-laden tankers, and inflicting extensive damage on the hostile convoy. By his marked courage, superb airmanship and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards, Captain LeFaivre was directly instrumental in dealing a damaging blow to the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
Marine Night Fighting Squadron 533 (VMF(N)-533)Action Date:
May 18, 1945
Commanding General, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial 00267AThe President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Edward N. LeFaivre (MCSN: 0-30579), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Night Fighting Squadron FIVE HUNTED THIRTY-THREE (VMF(N)-533), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 18 May 1945. Vectored by a ground control station to intercept an enemy plane nearing an important American base, First Lieutenant LeFaivre pursued the hostile bombers through friendly anti-aircraft fire, and continued his attack until the Japanese aircraft exploded and crashed into the water. Later, the same night, when vectored to intercept a hostile fighter, he destroyed it after three determined attacks. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron 513 (VMF(AW)-513)Action Date:
October 10, 1951
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 – 1955 (Jane Blakeney)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Edward N. LeFaivre (MCSN: 0-30579), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a fighter Plane in Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VMF(AW)-513), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 10 October 1951. Keenly aware of numerous enemy anti-aircraft positions in the vicinity of a hostile motor convoy which he had singled out as a target, Captain LeFaivre carried out repeated, destructive napalm, bombing and strafing runs, scoring direct hits with napalm, bombs and cannon. Although his aircraft was damaged by the intense and continuous gunfire, he persisted in his attacks until all ordnance was expended, leaving behind a total of twelve vehicles destroyed or severely damaged. By his skilled airmanship, marked courage and unswerving devotion to duty, Captain LeFaivre upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron 513 (VMF(AW)-513)Division:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
October 21, 1951
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Edward N. LeFaivre (MCSN: 0-30579), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VMF(AW)-513), in Korea on 21 October 1951. Observing an unusual amount of activity in the center and environs of a small village while carrying out a night intruder mission in company with a flare-dropping aircraft, Captain LeFaivre carried out a low-altitude reconnoitering pass in the face of intense hostile fire and discovered an extremely heavy concentration of enemy vehicles and supplies. Immediately initiating a series of daring bombing, strafing and napalm attacks, he scored several direct hits and, although his starboard engine was ablaze after being hit by anti-aircraft fire, continued to execute determined and effective attacks at levels which barely cleared the terrain. Finally forced to bail out when his damaged engine and nacelle blazed completely, he landed in an area teeming with hostile troops and successfully evaded capture until rescued on the following day. By his superb airmanship, outstanding courage and resolute determination, Captain LeFaivre was responsible for the destruction of at least twenty-one loaded enemy trucks and a large quantity of materiel, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.