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 Captain Henry Leeroy Lavender (AFSN: 0-70126), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 pilot in Southeast Asia on 13 December 1968. On that date, Captain Lavender flew wing position in a flight of two aircraft in support of friendly forces who were under attack by a large hostile force. Because of the close proximity of the opposing forces, extremely accurate ordnance delivery by the A-1s was essential. Captain Lavender made repeated passes at low altitude and, despite heavy ground fire, placed all ordnance directly on target. This action inflicted heavy casualties on the hostile force and greatly relieved the pressure on the friendly position. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Lavender reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-2415 (June 18, 1969)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 with Combat “V” to Captain Henry Leeroy Lavender (AFSN: 0-70126), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Skyraider Pilot in Southeast Asia on 26 April 1969. On that date, Captain Lavender flew a night interdiction mission along a major infiltration route deep in hostile territory. In spite of heavy ground fire from anti-aircraft gun positions, he made repeated attacks against his assigned target and delivered is ordnance with devastating accuracy. Then, without regard for his own personal safety, Captain Lavender courageously exposed his aircraft to the hostile fire again while providing protection for another strike aircraft. His heroic actions in the face of extreme danger resulted in significant damage to hostile equipment, supplies and defenses. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Lavender reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
August 24, 1990 – June 30, 1993
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Henry Leeroy Lavender (AFSN: 0-70126), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 24 August 1990 to 30 June 1993.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-2631 (June 1969)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 with Combat “V” to Captain Henry Leeroy Lavender (AFSN: 0-70126), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 pilot in Southeast Asia on 5 April 1969. On that date, Captain Lavender flew his Douglas Skyraider on a night interdiction mission through severe weather conditions to strike hostile defensive positions along a major infiltration route. Despite the adverse weather conditions and in the face of intense and accurate hostile ground fire, he made repeated attacks against four separate anti-aircraft positions. With fearless determination, superior airmanship, and accurate ordnance delivery Captain Lavender destroyed two of the hostile gun positions and silenced the other two. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Lavender reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 26, 1988 – July 22, 1990
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 Henry Leeroy Lavender (AFSN: 0-70126), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander for Maintenance, 18th Tactical Fighter Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan, from 26 July 1988 to 22 July 1990. During this period, the exemplary leadership, foresight, and ceaseless efforts of Colonel Lavender resolved complex maintenance issues which enhanced the operational effectiveness of the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing and contributed to the mission of the Air Force in the Western Pacific. His leadership guaranteed effective wing participation in more than 20 exercises and contingency deployments, involving up to 24 aircraft a nine operating locations, throughout the Pacific Theater and the United States. Colonel Lavender’s multi-phased maintenance initiatives assured all milestones in support of RF-4C and F-15C/D operations, and produced remarkable improvements in every readiness indicator meaningful to combat capability – the best in the history of the F-15 at Kadena. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Lavender reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-5148 (December 16, 1969)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Henry Leeroy Lavender (AFSN: 0-70126), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Skyraider pilot in Southeast Asia on 6 October 1969. On that date, Captain Lavender, while participating in one of the largest rescue attempts in Southeast Asia, repeatedly exposed himself to hostile ground fire in an attempt to thwart an ambush initiated by hostile forces against a friendly infiltration team. By volunteering to expose himself in an effort to locate the hostile positions Captain Lavender acted in the highest traditions of our fighting forces. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Lavender reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.