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 Louis Elmer Daniels, Jr. (AFSN: 0-56993), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-100 Pilot of the 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam, in action near Loc Ninh, Republic of Vietnam, on 2 November 1967. On that date, Major Daniels piloted one of two F-100s in a night attack on numerous mortar and anti-aircraft sites during the Battle of Loc Ninh. Despite the lack of sufficient flares, he pressed the attack, making repeated low altitude strafing passes through one of the most intense anti-aircraft barrages ever encountered in South Vietnam. His courageous action in the face of overwhelming odds contributed materially to the successful defense of the beleaguered fort and was a significant factor in one of the most notable allied victories thus far in the conflict in South Vietnam. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Daniels has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2165 (July 22, 1968)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 Louis Elmer Daniels, Jr. (AFSN: 0-56993), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 pilot near Saigon, Republic of Vietnam on 3 August 1967. On that date, Major Daniels was scrambled from the Bien Hoa Alert Facility to support beleaguered troops of the 7th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, who were trapped in open rice paddies by a large Viet Cong force. Operating within an envelope of continuous hostile fire directed at his aircraft, Major Daniels made repeated low altitude ordnance deliveries, breaking the attack and contributing significantly to an overwhelming allied victory. His disregard for the hostile fire, which twice struck his aircraft, and his highly accurate deliveries resulted in the saving of many friendly lives. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Daniels reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Colonel Louis Elmer Daniels, Jr. (AFSN: 0-56993), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Deputy Commander for Logistics, 507th Tactical Air Control Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, from 9 July 1982 to 9 July 1983. During this period, the dedication, outstanding performance, innovative management, and exemplary leadership of Colonel Daniels significantly enhanced the Tactical Air Command’s support of the United States Central Command’s mission. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Daniels in the dedication of his service to his country reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-425 (February 7, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Louis Elmer Daniels, Jr. (AFSN: 0-56993), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 Pilot in Southeast Asia on 31 October 1967. On that date, Major Daniels led two night missions in support of allied forces under heavy mortar and human wave attack during the battle of Loc Ninh. Despite an intense barrage of automatic weapons fire and extremely adverse weather conditions, he made repeated low altitude ordnance deliveries in a successful effort to repulse the hostile assault on the beleaguered fort. Major Daniels’ gallantry in the face of seemingly insurmountable hazards was a major factor in the successful defense of Loc Ninh, and contributed materially to one of the most significant allied victories thus far in the present conflict in Southeast Asia. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Daniels reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
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December 11, 1966 – December 1, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1777 (June 17, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Major Louis Elmer Daniels, Jr. (AFSN: 0-56993), United States Air Force, for meritorious service as Flight Commander and Squadron Tactics Officer, 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with friendly forces engaged in operations against an opposing armed force from 11 December 1966 to 1 December 1967. During this period, Major Daniels’ extraordinary foresight, tireless personal initiative, and selfless devotion to duty were major contributing factors in the uniquely successful combat record achieved by the 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron. As Flight Commander, he molded his pilots into a cohesive, highly effective fighting force of enviable effectiveness. As Squadron Tactics Officer, Major Daniels’ unending efforts toward the development of more effective fighter tactics resulted in the squadron achieving the lowest dud ordnance rate since commencing operations in Southeast Asia. Through his quest for excellence in all phases of combat operations, more effective defensive tactics were developed, which resulted in a substantially reduced hit rate due to hostile ground fire. His numerous programs, self-help projects, and contributions as a member of the Officers’ Club Board of Governors, Base Housing, and Dining Hall Council, greatly enhanced the morale of the entire wing. His conscientious and completely selfless devotion to duty have directly and materially contributed to the outstanding combat success attained by the 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron in Southeast Asia. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Daniels in these responsible positions reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.