AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AC-47

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Airman First Class Leon C. Duke for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Loadmaster of an AC-47 aircraft near Thanh My, Republic of Vietnam on 24 February 1966. On that date, the small outpost at Thanh My was under attack by an estimated battalion of unfriendly forces who had infiltrated within one hundred meters. Despite formidable anti-aircraft defenses, low ceilings and poor visibility, Airman Duke and crew continued the defense of the fort and remained in the extremely hostile environment for over three hours. Although the aircraft was damaged by intensive ground fire, the hostile forces were inflicted with heavy damage and successfully routed. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Airman Duke reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Staff Sergeant Leon C. Duke for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as AC-47 Loadmaster near Can Tho, Republic of Vietnam on 9 April 1966 and 10 April 1966. On these dates, Sergeant Duke was flying on a combat support mission against hostile forces attempting to overrun a friendly Special Forces outpost. Despite limited communications with the friendly forces, intense ground fire directed at the aircraft, the close proximity of the border of a neutral country and the illumination of their own aircraft as they provided airborne flares for the friendly forces, Sergeant Duke and crew made repeated illuminating and firing passes over the hostile positions. They directed their fire with such accuracy and determination that the hostile forces were forced to break off the attack. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Duke reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.