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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel George Thad Buck, Jr. (ASN: 0-24857), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Air Force Missile Development Center, from 1 July 1967 to 31 May 1970. During this period, Colonel Buck’s professional skill and reputation, dynamic leadership, technical foresight, and exemplary management ability provided outstanding guidance to test programs with national and international significance. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Buck culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    309th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    31st Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 4327 (November 3, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) George Thad Buck, Jr. (ASN: 0-24857), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Mustang Fighter Airplane of the 309th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, in 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Buck, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel George Thad Buck, Jr. (ASN: 0-24857), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    309th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    31st Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) George Thad Buck, Jr. (ASN: 0-24857), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 309th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.