AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  C-130, C-130E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Airman Second Class Lanny E. Leder for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a C-130 Loadmaster at Dong Ha, Republic of Vietnam on 7 September 1967. On that date, while on an emergency medical evacuation mission, Airman Leder and crew made an airborne radar approach, lights out assault landing at Dong Ha Air Base, while the base was under attack from hostile mortar and artillery fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Airman Leder assisted in loading the wounded personnel while ordnance was observed impacting on and near the base. Airman Leder and crew returned to Dong Ha a second time under the same conditions to evacuate a total of more than eighty wounded personnel. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Airman Leder reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Airman First Class Lanny E. Leder for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Loadmaster at Xuan Long drop zone, Republic of Vietnam on 15 October 1967. On that date, Airman Leder volunteered to fly an emergency resupply drop mission to the elements of the United States Army surrounded by several divisions of hostile forces. Despite marginal weather conditions and intense hostile fire, the drops were performed in a highly commendable manner. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Airman Leder reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Forces.