Dad's Distinguished Flying Cross

Fifty years ago today, my Dad, Captain Lantz Leonard, United States Air Force, participated in an evacuation mission out of Dak Seang Airfield in Vietnam. For those dangerous flights in and out of the airfield under enemy fire, he and his crew were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross--a medal I had seen from time to time growing up, but never knew what is was for until he passed a few years ago. We only discovered what it was because as we were going through his things, family members, who were also veterans, spotted it immediately. The rare medal that sat in a storage box for years that was awarded for something so brave went understated just like the way my dad lived. It makes me appreciate even more what he did in a selfless act in a very difficult situation. We had no idea.

Like my Dad, many of the same men and women who served our country have little or no enthusiasm to talk about what they went through--especially those who fought in a war like Vietnam, experienced horrific events fighting for a country they had never been to, and returned home where they were literally spat on as they arrived at airports. In light of this, I would ask you--no matter your opinion on the war in Vietnam (or any others), no matter what side of the political aisle you sit on--to ask your veterans about their stories, thank them for their service, and honor their sacrifices.

My family and I are very proud of my Dad and what he did, but even more proud of how he lived. 

You can read more about the event in the official citation of his award:

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF

THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

TO

LANTZ G. LEONARD

Captain Lantz G. Leonard distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as C-7A Instructor Pilot at Dak Seang Airfield, Republic of Vietnam on 11 May 1971. On that date Captain Leonard flew three sorties from Pleiku Air Base to Dak Seang Airfield in support of friendly forces defending the airfield from several enemy units sighted in the area. Despite adverse weather, hazardous terrain, and especially challenging airstrip, and constant threat of enemy ground fire, Captain Leonard completed each sortie successfully and delivered several indigenous combat infantrymen and several tons of artillery ammunition without incident or injury to his crew or aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Leonard reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Links: Distinguished Flying Cross | Dak Seang Camp