THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Air Force Cross citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow airmen. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Dear Cap Leroy Schaneberg, Thank you for your service as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot. Glad you were identified in 1995, Welcome Home. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the 3rd week of Advent, Christmas is soon. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat "V" (Posthumously) to Captain Leroy Clyde Schaneberg, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an HH-53 Copilot in Southeast Asia on 21 April 1970. On that date, Captain Schaneberg attempted the rescue of an American airman in heavily defended hostile territory. He continued his valiant attempt, despite heavy and accurate hostile ground fire, until one of his crewmembers was critically wounded and he was forced to leave the area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Schaneberg reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/3562

Captain Leroy Clyde Schaneberg, Served with the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3rd Air Rescue Group, 7th Air Force.

Leroy Clyde Schaneberg
Date of birth: March 29, 1940
Date of death: MIA: June 30, 1970
Burial location: Arlington, VA
Place of Birth: Illinois, Flagg Center
Home of record: Ashton Illinois
Status: MIA

The remains of Captain Schaneberg and the members of his crew were recovered and identified on March 24, 1993, and they were interred together at Arlington National Cemetery.
AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

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 (AFSN: 0-328349277), 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.

Action Date: June 30, 1970

Service: Air Force

Battalion: 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

Division: Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand