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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major Alfred J. Lagrou, Jr. (AFSN: FR-45111), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action over North Vietnam on 20 January 1967. On that date, Major Lagrou was mission commander of forty aircraft directed to destroy a strategic railroad yard. In spite of four SA-2 missile launches and intense ground fire near the target, Major Lagrou led his force on a devastating and successful attack. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Lagrou has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    May 3, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1170 (August 9, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Alfred J. Lagrou, Jr. (AFSN: FR-45111), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Combat Aircrew Member in Southeast Asia on 3 May 1967. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from unfriendly forces, Major Lagrou demonstrated courage, undaunted determination, and superior skill in pressing home devastating air attacks against hostile positions. Persevering in the face of danger and death, he relentlessly and effectively aided in neutralizing the hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Lagrou reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Action Date:

    April 20, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1137 (August 4, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Alfred J. Lagrou, Jr. (AFSN: FR-45111), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action over North Vietnam on 20 April 1967. On that date, Major Lagrou was the mission commander of twelve F-105 Thunderchiefs and twelve F-4C Phantoms directed to attack a North Vietnamese army barracks and insurgency school deep in hostile territory. Despite intensive and accurate anti-aircraft fire, numerous missile launches, and a MiG-21 behind him, he delivered his bombs directly on target, leaving the buildings in a burning rage. The distinctive and conspicuous acts displayed by Major Lagrou constitute heroism above and beyond the call of duty. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Lagrou has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    March 16, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-768 (May 31, 1967)

    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 Major Alfred J. Lagrou, Jr. (AFSN: FR-45111), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a combat Crew Member in Southeast Asia on 16 March 1967. On that date, Major Lagrou, while under intense and accurate fire from unfriendly forces, demonstrated courage, undaunted determination, and superior skill in pressing home devastating air attacks against hostile postures and positions. Persevering in the face of danger and death, he relentlessly and effectively aided in neutralizing the hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Lagrou reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    December 4, 1966
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-193 (1967)

    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 Major Alfred J. Lagrou, Jr. (AFSN: FR-45111), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot in Southeast Asia on 4 December 1966. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from unfriendly forces, Major Lagrou demonstrated cool courage, undaunted determination, and superior skill in pressing home devastating air attacks against hostile positions. Persevering in the face of danger and death, he relentlessly and effectively aided in neutralizing the hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Lagrou reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.