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 Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Valfred Lundin (MCSN: 0-28318), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer of Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron THREE HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMFA-314), Marine Aircraft Group Thirteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 1 May 1968, Lieutenant Colonel Lundin launched as Section Leader of a flight of two F-4 Phantom aircraft assigned to support a friendly unit which was pinned down by a heavy volume of fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force north of the Con Thien Combat Base. Arriving over the designated area, he descended under a thick overcast and quickly commenced his attack, delivering his ordnance with pinpoint accuracy to within 125 meters of the friendly positions. Although his aircraft came under intense automatic weapons fire, Lieutenant Colonel Lundin disregarded his own safety while leading his flight in repeated bombing runs over the target area, silencing the enemy fire and enabling the friendly unit to evacuate its casualties and withdraw to more advantageous positions. Lieutenant Colonel Lundin’s courage, exceptional aeronautical skill and steadfast devotion to duty at great personal risk contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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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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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
Marine Fighting Squadron 112 (VMF-112)Division:
U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20)Action Date:
February 16 – April 27, 1945
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 First Lieutenant Herbert Valfred Lundin (MCSN: 0-28318), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-112), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Tokyo, Iwo Jima, Kyushu, Okinawa and Nansei Shoto Areas, from 16 February to 27 April 1945. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, First Lieutenant Lundin inflicted extensive damage on enemy shipping, airfields and military installations. 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:
First LieutenantBatallion:
Marine Fighting Squadron 112 (VMF-112)Division:
U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20)Action Date:
April 14, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Herbert Valfred Lundin (MCSN: 0-28318), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-112), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 14 April 1945. Intercepting two enemy aircraft, First Lieutenant Lundin engaged and destroyed the hostile planes, thereby contributing to the effective protection of our forces. 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 the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Valfred Lundin (MCSN: 0-28318), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service with Marine Aircraft Group Thirteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam from 11 July 1967 to 28 July 1968. During this period, Lieutenant Colonel LUNDIN exhibited outstanding professionalism and sound judgment in the performance of his demanding duties. Initially serving as Operations Officer, he consistently provided imaginative planning and forceful execution of the group’s commitments, contributing immeasurably to the success of numerous combat operations. Due to his exceptional knowledge of the tactical employment of the F-4 Phantom aircraft, he was particularly effective in establishing sound policies and procedures which ensured smooth and efficient flight operations. As a means of achieving increased safety, Lieutenant Colonel LUNDIN initiated a program to study and evaluate combat and operational aircraft accidents of the past year and developed a revised Standing Operating Procedure for combat operations, which significantly contributed to aviation safety. Reassigned as Commanding Officer of Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 314 on 14 January 1968, Lieutenant Colonel LUNDIN continued to emphasize the importance of safety as he endeavored to establish his unit as the safest and most productive squadron in the Group. As a result, during the months of January through May 1968, his squadron led in combat sorties flown each month, reaching peak efficiency in April when 809 combat missions were flown. His professionalism and inspiring leadership earned the respect and admiration of all with whom he served and contributed materially to the accomplishment of the unit’s mission. By his resourcefulness, superb initiative and steadfast devotion to duty throughout, Lieutenant Colonel LUNDIN rendered distinguished service to his country and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Lundin is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)