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 Rano Eugene Lueker, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at Dong Xoai Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 19 June 1968. On that date, Major Lueker was assigned to airlift extremely hazardous combat essential cargo to the besieged Dong Xoai Special Forces Camp. As U.S. aircraft landed, the air field came under intense mortar attack, and as Major Lueker continued his ground roll, the C-123 unarmed Provider was ambushed by hostile ground forces concealed on both sides of the runway. With unwavering calmness and courage, Major Lueker completed his combat airlift mission and successfully evacuated his badly damaged aircraft to a secure air field. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Lueker 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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Legion of Merit
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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 Rano Eugene Lueker, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-123 Aircraft Commander at Katum Special Forces Outpost, Republic of Vietnam, on 19 June 1968. On that date, Major Lueker was scheduled to airlift vitally needed ammunition into the besieged outpost. After landing and while commencing off-loading Major Lueker’s aircraft came under an intense hostile mortar attack. Major Lueker’s complete disregard for the hostile activity while directing off-loading and accomplishing a hazardous downwind takeoff enabled delivery of the cargo while preventing damage to the aircraft and crew. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Lueker 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:
February 8, 1976 – April 22, 1979
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 Rano Eugene Lueker, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander and Commander, 2750th Air Base Wing, Air Force Logistics Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, from 8 February 1976 to 22 April 1979. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence and devotion to duty of Colonel Lueker were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Lueker reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Rano Eugene Lueker, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Lueker and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.