Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Airman’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    306th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    31st Tactical Fighter Wing

    Action Date:

    July 19, 1968

    Headquarters 7th Air Force, Special Order G-3493 (November 15, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Airman’s Medal to Sergeant Leonard M. Williams (AFSN: AF-19873091), United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life while serving with the 306th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 31st Tactical Fighter Wing, at Tuy Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 19 July 1968. On that date, Sergeant Williams was helping to launch an F-100 on a combat mission when the underside of the aircraft burst into flames. Although the aircraft was heavily loaded with high explosive ordnance, Sergeant Williams remained in the revetment with a portable fire extinguisher and fought the fire until it was brought under control. His persistence in the face of extreme danger undoubtedly saved a valuable combat aircraft and precluded a disastrous explosion. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Sergeant Williams reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.