Page 19 - DFCS News Magazine Winter 2011

The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Al- bert C. Leader for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving with Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 533, Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 July 1967, Captain Leader launched as the Bombardier/Navigator aboard an A-6 jet attack aircraft assigned a night interdiction mission against a heavily defended railroad complex located in North Vietnam. Proceeding to the target area, he skillfully employed his aircraft’s complex navigational equipment and radar to assist the pilot in penetrating the enemy’s outer surface-to-air missile ring and fighter patrol routes at low alti-
tude. Displaying exceptional professional skill, Captain Leader accurately directed his pilot to the initial attack point over hazardous, irregular terrain, skillfully concealing the location of the intended target from enemy tracking facilities and hampering prolonged hostile radar acquisition. Approaching the target, his aircraft cleared the protective mountains as the pilot prepared to commence the attack. Immediately, the aircraft was detected by enemy radar and came under intense tracking fire. Disregarding the intense enemy fire, Captain Leader remained calm and quickly located the target and, unable to employ evasive maneuvers to negate the enemy fire, skillfully utilized his equipment to break enemy radar acquisition. As his aircraft approached the target through heavy fire, he expertly assisted the pilot in releasing the ordnance with pinpoint accuracy. Although plagued by almost constant enemy radar ac- quisition during the prolonged low altitude egress, Captain Leader navigated the aircraft safely through the hazardous area and again penetrated the enemy outer surface-to-air missile ring. His outstanding aeronautical skill and steadfast determination were in- strumental in the accomplishment of this extremely hazardous mission. Cap-
tain Leader’s resolute courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, at great personal risk, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Albert C. Leader for heroism and
extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving with Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 533, Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 October 1967, Captain Leader served aboard an A-6 attack aircraft launched on a night interdiction mission against a railroad yard on a vital supply route in the midst of a heavily defended area of North Vietnam. Displaying exceptional professional ability, he skillfully directed his pilot to the coastal entry point and accurately inserted the aircraft in the optimum channel formed by the weaker links in the enemy’s defensive capability. Despite the darkness, poorly defined terrain features, fast closing returns on his instruments resulting from high speed, low level flight and the malfunction of the pilot’s steering display, he succeeded in navigating the aircraft to the initial point of approach to the target area. Undaunted by the integrated defense of numerous radar-controlled anti-aircraft weapons mutually supported by surface-to-air missile sites, Captain Leader steadfastly monitored his instruments and activated his equipment as he assisted the pilot in maneuvering through the hostile fire during the approach. As the pilot ascended in order to provide Captain Leader a clear presentation of the target, the aircraft suddenly came under extremely heavy anti-aircraft fire and was immediately illuminated by several radar-controlled searchlights. Exhibiting outstanding technical skill and composure he remained calm as he manned his equipment and provided the data that enabled his pilot to release the ordnance with pinpoint accuracy on the railroad complex. He then directed the pilot through the area of least defense at low terrain clearance altitude to expeditiously depart the area. Captain Leader’s superior professionalism, courage and steadfast devotion to duty at great personal risk were instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
We are looking for a member who has experience in Public Relations and would be willing to help the Society become better known and therefore grow. We need someone who can write Press Releases and understands what is required to promote goodwill between the Society and the public. The requirement is a person who knows how to get a positive image of the DFC Society out to the public and how to sustain and improve that image. Per- sonal contacts with local and national media would be helpful but basic Public Relations experience is the main criteria. Your support can be an important factor in the growth of the DFC Society.
We are also looking for someone who can help with writing articles for the News Magazine. In many cases we have some ideas for arti- cles and contact information for the individuals concerned but don’t have the necessary time (and/or skills) available to do the actual writing. While we can’t guarantee you a Pulitzer Prize, you will have the satisfaction of helping the DFC Society and spreading the work- load. The magazine is really great now but as more people help by writing articles, the better the Magazine becomes and consequently the DFC Society improves.
If you feel that you could help with either of these requirements, PLEASE CALL & discuss volunteering with
Bill Bradfield at: 866-332-6332
We need your help. Your Society is looking for an idea, a project or an ac vity we can develop and sponsor that will qualify as a “Worthy Cause” to bene t the Military community. There are many exis ng chari es and ac vi es that certainly meet all of our requirements but we’d like to nd a venture that will be unique and can be associated with your Dis nguished Flying Cross Society. Ideally it will be an undertaking that will not require a large monetary outlay but that isn’t as important as nding the right “Worthy Cause”. It need not require Chapter involvement but could be feasible for individual members.
And we will certainly not rule out an exis ng project. If we were to select one it would probably be a small endeavor that is rela vely unknown and that we could help to reach its full poten al. If you have an idea for a unique pursuit you feel your Society will be able to create or an opera ng endeavor you feel might be what we are looking for please send me an e-mail at johneappel@yahoo.com or drop a brief note to john E. Appel, Box 530250, San Diego CA 92153
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The Distinguished Flying Cross News