The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Bruce Michael Freeman, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 29 December 1972. On that date, Captain Freeman flew a strike escort mission to protect B-52 aircraft striking targets near Hanoi, North Vietnam. Despite marginal weather conditions, heavy antiaircraft fire, and eight surface-to-air missiles that were launched at his flight, Captain Freeman was able to nullify an attack on the strike force by a hostile aircraft, allowing the strike force to deliver their ordnance on their assigned targets. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Freeman reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Army Award) to First Lieutenant Bruce Michael Freeman, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight. First Lieutenant Freeman distinguished himself by heroic action on 1 May 1969 in support of the 6th Airborne Battalion, Airborne Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On this date at 0145 hours, Lieutenant Freeman volunteered to fly over the contact area which was being attacked by a reinforced enemy battalion. Over the area, he immediately assumed control of the Army gunships and began to direct their firepower on the enemy antiaircraft and mortar positions. He repeatedly subjected himself to withering antiaircraft and ground fire while making low level passes to spot and mark the enemy positions. For four hours he flew over the contact area directing devastating firepower on the enemy positions, disregarding the accurate antiaircraft, ground and mortar fire. Lieutenant Freeman’s extraordinary courage while flying through intense, accurate enemy fire at night disrupted the enemy fire support elements and blunted their attack. First Lieutenant Freeman’s heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

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 First Lieutenant Bruce Michael Freeman, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Tay Ninh City, Republic of Vietnam, on 17 August 1969. On that date, Lieutenant Freeman was flying his unarmed O-1 aircraft in support of a friendly outpost that had come under heavy attack by a large hostile force in the early morning hours. In spite of the limited conditions imposed by night operations, extremely marginal weather and intense hostile antiaircraft fire, Lieutenant Freeman remained on station directing tactical air and artillery support with devastating accuracy until the attack was broken and the safety of the friendly units was insured. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Freeman reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.