Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Louis
Theodore
Seith
January 17, 1921

–

March 6, 2007

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Louis Seith graduated from Brown Military Academy in Pacific Beach, California, before being admitted to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1943. After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, earning a Distinguished Service Cross, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1977 as a U.S. Air Force 4-Star General.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    1963 – 1965
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Louis Theodore Seith (AFSN: FR-9756/0-25457), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1963 to 1965. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Seith and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Defense Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    General

    Division:

    Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1974 – July 31, 1977
    Personnel Awards Memorandum 77-149

    Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General Louis Theodore Seith (AFSN: FR-9756/0-25457), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, during the period 1 August 1974 to 31 July 1977. The distinctive accomplishments of General Seith reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    483d Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    July 18, 1944
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Air Forces-Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 45 (September 16, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Louis Theodore Seith (AFSN: FR-9756/0-25457), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber and squadron leader in the 483d Bombardment Group (H), FIFTEENTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 18 July 18, 1944, against the vital enemy airfield at Memmingen, Germany. On that date, due to bad weather, most groups had to return home or divert to an alternate target. The 26 B-17s from the 483rd Bomb Group forged on, alone and on schedule, despite the fact that their fighter escort could not protect them until later. With extraordinary heroism, gallantry and de_termination, Captain Seith led the leading squadron in the bombing attack as ordered, even as German fighters attacked in waves of concentrated fire power. Fourteen B-17s and their crews were shot down as they destroyed 53 enemy fighters. The leading squadron, after Bombs Away, slowed down to give limping comrades fire cover, despite the extreme danger. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Captain Seith on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 15th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    7th Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 11, 1967 – May 27, 1969
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-358 (June 18, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Louis Theodore Seith (AFSN: FR-9756/0-25457), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Chief of Staff, Headquarters SEVENTH Air Force, Tan Son Nhut Airfield, Republic of Vietnam, from 11 December 1967 to 27 May 1969. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Seith and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    483d Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Louis Theodore Seith (AFSN: FR-9756/0-25457), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 483d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force, during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    August 7, 1971 – June 21, 1974
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-409 (June 13, 1974)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Louis Theodore Seith (AFSN: FR-9756/0-25457), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, from 7 August 1971 to 21 June 1974. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Seith and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    U.S. Air Force Academy

    Action Date:

    1965 – 1967
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Louis Theodore Seith (AFSN: FR-9756/0-25457), 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 as Commandant of Cadets, U.S. Air Force Academy, from 1965 to 1967. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Seith and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    Military Assistance Advisory Group Thailand

    Action Date:

    May 28, 1969 – May 27, 1971
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-322 (June 4, 1971)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Louis Theodore Seith (AFSN: FR-9756/0-25457), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Seith distinguished himself as Commander, United States Military Assistance Command, Thailand/Chief, Joint United States Military Advisory Group, Thailand, from 28 May 1969 to 27 May 1971. During this period, General Seith’s forceful leadership of the United States advisory and assistance effort materially contributed to the improvement of the capability of the Thai government to effectively counter communist terrorist activity. Through his absolute understanding of military priorities, he exercised a positive influence upon the evolution of the Royal Thai Armed Forces that will manifest for years to come. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Seith reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.