The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Leroy Clyde Schaneberg, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an HH-53C Aircraft Commander of the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Savanbnekhet Province, Laos, on 30 June 1970. On that date, while piloting a rescue helicopter, Captain Schaneberg penetrated an area of known hostile concentration in a valiant attempt to rescue an injured American pilot. Undaunted after having to abort his first effort and without regard for his personal safety, Captain Schaneberg elected to make a second rescue effort. As his helicopter neared the survivor, it sustained severe battle damage, forcing Captain Schaneberg to abandon the attempt. With great courage and determination, Captain Schaneberg tried to save the aircraft and his crew, but the badly damaged helicopter became uncontrollable, impacted the ground, and exploded. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Schaneberg reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.     

"FREEDOM ISN'T FREE"

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"HELICOPTERS" - THE ONLY WAY TO FLY

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