The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Richard Weills Hilland (AFSN: FR-27279), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, Directorate of Configuration Management, Deputy for F-15, Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, from 30 June 1976 to 31 August 1979. During this period, his dynamic leadership as Chairman of the F-15 Configuration Control Board ensured that the tactical air forces received equipment in the field that was fully supportable when it reached the field and that all changes to the weapon system furthered the capability of the F-15 as the world’s best fighter aircraft. His astute management, technical expertise and aggressive leadership within the F-15 System Program Office provided an immeasurable benefit to the air power of both the United States Air Force and the Free World. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Hilland culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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 Richard Weills Hilland (AFSN: FR-27279), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an attack aircraft in Southeast Asia on 16 November 1967. On that date, Major Hilland was engaged in conducting a night armed reconnaissance mission in a mountainous and heavily fortified area when he detected a hostile forces’ vehicle convoy. With complete disregard for his own personal safety Major Hilland attacked the convoy through heavy concentrations of anti-aircraft fire causing extremely heavy losses and destruction to the hostile convoy. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Hilland has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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 Richard Weills Hilland (AFSN: FR-27279), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a T-28 Tactical Fighter Pilot in Southeast Asia on 12 December 1967. On that date, Major Hilland flying a highly vulnerable aircraft on a night armed reconnaissance mission, attacked a hostile convoy of supply-laden vehicles. In an aggressive attack on the convoy, Major Hilland dived again and again through defensive anti-aircraft and automatic weapons fire, attacking in the dark through some of the most rugged terrain in the area to accomplish his mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Hilland reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.