AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  O-1

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Michael G. Leonard for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Duc Lap, Republic of Vietnam, on 27 November 1969. On that date, Captain Leonard responded to a call for help from a friendly helicopter crew who had been forced down by hostile fire. He flew his light aircraft low through marginal weather and hostile automatic weapons fire to direct the rescue effort for the endangered crew. Through his skillful coordination and control, Captain Leonard's efforts resulted in the successful rescue of the beleaguered crew members. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Leonard 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 (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain Michael G. Leonard for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller, 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, Cam Ranh Bay Air Base Republic of Vietnam, on 29 November 1969. On that date, Captain Leonard's exemplary knowledge and outstanding airmanship displayed under extremely hazardous conditions culminated in the highly successful destruction of equipment and entrenchments of hostile forces thereby saving many lives of the Free World Military Ground Forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Leonard reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain Michael G. Leonard for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller, 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, near Duc Lap, Republic of Vietnam, on 21 March 1970. On that date, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Leonard thwarted an ambush by a hostile force which had pinned down under fire a combined element of engineers, from the United States Army and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, who were traveling in convoy. Despite the intense ground fire directed at his small unarmed aircraft, he accurately directed airstrikes which resulted in the destruction of mortar and other positions held by the attacking force. His courageous actions forced withdrawal of the hostile force and prevented capture of the convoy. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Leonard reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.