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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 William Frank Harlin, Jr., United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief, War Plans and Programs, and Deputy Director of War Plans Programming, Deputy Director and Director of Plans and Programs, and Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff, Data Systems, Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, from 19 July 1975 to 30 September 1982. During this period, Colonel Harlin’s outstanding achievements and forceful leadership and initiative resulted in worldwide preeminence of the Strategic Air Command in data processing. His exploitation of state-of-the-art data automation support allowed timely and accurate response to National Command Authority tasking. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Harlin culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    January 30, 1971
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-2323 (July 21, 1971)

    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 William Frank Harlin, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Phu Cat, Republic of Vietnam, on 9 April 1972. On that date, he flew in support of an American ground unit that was pinned down by heavy automatic weapons fire, mortar fire and rocket propelled grenades. Despite limited visibility, a mountainous terrain and intense ground fire, he repeatedly dove his light unarmed aircraft low over the hostile positions to mark them for fighter aircraft. Because of his actions, many friendly lives were saved. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Harlin reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.