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 Edwin Harris King, Jr. (AFSN: FR-23398), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 363d Combat Support Group, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, from 18 August 1975 to 1 June 1977. During this period, Colonel King’s outstanding professional knowledge, initiative, and devotion to duty were reflected in the high quality of services provided to Headquarters NINTH Air Force, 507th Tactical Air Control Wing, 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, several smaller tenant units, as well as providing support and services for the military community. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel King reflect 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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Silver Star
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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 Edwin Harris King, Jr. (AFSN: FR-23398), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Combat aircrew member in Southeast Asia on 13 June 1967. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from unfriendly forces, Major King 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 King reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 27, 1977 – July 31, 1979
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 Edwin Harris King, Jr. (AFSN: FR-23398), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander and Commander, 58th Combat Support Group, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, from 27 June 1977 to 31 July 1979. In these important assignments, the superior leadership, exemplary foresight, executive abilities and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel King resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the Luke Air Force Base mission. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel King culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Edwin Harris King, Jr. (AFSN: FR-23398), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Viet Name Air Force A-1 Advisor in Southeast Asia on 11 March 1967. On that date, Major King, while flying a strike against multiple automatic weapon emplacements, was wounded in both arms, when his windscreen was shattered by enemy fire. Major King, disregarding his wounds and despite the intense ground fire, continued to attack the target until his ordnance was expended. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major King reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1459 (September 20, 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 Edwin Harris King, Jr. (AFSN: FR-23398), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an A-1 pilot near Can Tho, Republic of Vietnam, on 15 February 1967. On that date, Major King was flying with a Vietnamese Air Force flight in support of friendly ground forces engaged with a large hostile unit. Arriving over the battle, Major King located and destroyed a hostile gun position. He then repeatedly flew low over the battle area searching for a friendly patrol which was surrounded and facing annihilation. Although his aircraft was being hit by hostile ground fire, Major King continued flying low until he spotted the patrol. Immediately assessing the patrol’s situation, Major King strafed into the surrounding hostile force and skillfully placed firebombs which opened a path through the hostile force enabling the patrol to rejoin their unit. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Major King, now out of ammunition and flying a battle-damaged aircraft, repeatedly made low level passes over gun positions to draw hostile fire away from the friendly force. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major King has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.