Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Earl Harris, Jr. (AFSN: 0-18405), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as AC-47 Aircraft Commander near Phu Cat, Republic of Vietnam on 3 January 1968. On that date, Colonel Harris and his crew were diverted to assist friendly forces in need of illumination and firepower support. Despite the hazards and difficulty of operating in marginal weather and heavy turbulence over the target, Colonel Harris continued to support the friendly forces and broke the attack. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Harris reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    4th Air Commando Squadron

    Regiment:

    14th Air Commando Wing

    Action Date:

    May 5, 1968
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Earl Harris, Jr. (AFSN: 0-18405), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as Aircraft Commander of an AC-47 of the 4th Air Commando Squadron, 14th Air Commando Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, in action near Pleiku Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 5 May 1968. On that morning, about 02:30 hours, while en route to defend an outpost west of Pleiku, the crew observed hostile rockets being launched from a small village. As Colonel Harris engaged the hostile positions, his aircraft was subjected to intense ground fire. He completely disregarded his own safety in an effort to quell the hostile attack. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Harris has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.