Air Force Cross Citation
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
Air Force Cross
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: 30-Jun-70
Service: Air Force
Rank: Captain
Company: 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron
Division: Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand
Jun 30, 2015 |
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Thomas Waldron
mojack7@msn.com
fellow HH-53 pilot, 1969-70
440 west cedar drive Sun Lakes AZ 85248 USA
Missing brother -in-arms
I knew Leroy from his early Air Force career. He was a KC-135 Naviagator in Indiana when I was a co-pilot. He later went to USAF flight school, became a pilot and I joined with him again in 1969-70 in Udorn ,Thailand. I had talked with him a few nights before his mission over
Laos. I was on R and R when he went down.I wrote a Chapter in my book-Leroy's Gone-to honor he and his crew.(I Flew With Heroes). I know he has a daughter somewhere in the USA, but have never spoken to her.
Nov 8, 2012 |
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Ricardo Montes
manders2@aisd.net
Mr. Anderson's History Student
Sam Houston High School Arlington TX 76014 USA
My Adopted MIA
Captain Leroy Schaneberg,My name is Ricardo Montes Jr.I'm a 2010 Junior at Sam Houston High School in Arlington,TX. As part of a class assignment on Vietnam MIA's, I learned your story and shared it with my classmates. I learned of your sacrifice and will remember you.
May 19, 2010 |
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Garnet Jenkins
garijen@bresnan.net
Grand Junction Co
~ With Profound Gratitude ~
It is an Honor to pay tribute to Capt Leroy Clyde Schaneberg, with a Multitude of Thanks for his Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom. Rest well and know that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I am the sister of a young hero, who also made the Supreme Sacrifice in Vietnam 1967.....'OUR DEBT TO THE HEROIC MEN AND VALIANT WOMEN IN THE SERVICE OF OUR COUNTRY, CAN NEVER BE REPAID, THEY HAVE EARNED OUR UNDYING GRATITUDE. AMERICA WILL NEVER FORGET THEIR SACRIFICES' ~ President Harry S. Truman ~
Mar 29, 2009 |
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Malcolm Kirby
mlkdrk@earthlink.net
USAF Veteran - 191st photo recon.
Vietnam Veterans of America - Chapter 785
Rest in Peace, my Brother. You will not be forgotten...
Mar 27, 2009 |
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manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. "He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless You for your Sacrifice!!!
Mar 29, 2008 |
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Roy Spencer
Vietnam Veteran-Air Force Pilot
Air Force Cross Recipient-Hero
On June 30, 1970, a crew from the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Udorn Airfield, Thailand was dispatched to rescue a downed flight crew. Crew aboard the Sikorsky HH53C "Super Jolly" helicopter included the pilot, Capt. Leroy C. Schaneberg, crewmembers Major John W. Goeglein, MSgt. Paul L. Jenkins, SSgt. Marvin E. Bell, and SSgt. Michael F. Dean. The members of the 40th Air R & R were trained for both air and sea recovery, and the big "Super Jolly" was equipped to airlift both the crew and aircraft out of sticky situations. The downed and injured pilot was located in Savannakhet Province, Laos, about two kilometers south of Bang Tang. The HH53C penetrated the area, known to be hostile, in an attempt to rescue the pilot, but was forced away by hostile ground fire. A second attempt was made, but the helicopter was hit by hostile fire, caught on fire, went out of control and crashed. The Air Force states it received evidence on July 4, 1970, that the crew did not survive the crash. Schaneberg received the Air Force Cross for extraordinary heroism as the aircraft commander on this rescue mission. Some remains and personal effects were returned in March 1995 however they were insufficient for DNA testing. They are buried in Arlington Cemetery.
Jun 30, 2007 |
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Bill Gallenstein
USAF Veteran
Zephyrhills FL 33541 USA
A very proud cold war USAF veteran remembers you on this day. My God bless you and your family always. I salute you, Thank you
Jun 12, 2007 |
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Diane H.
bluebery@dotnet.com
respect
Sir, today would have been your 67th birthday. It is with deep respect that I say "Happy Birthday" and Thank you for protecting your Country. Rest in Peace. God Bless.
Mar 29, 2007 |
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You are not forgotten
Arlington National Cemetery.
Aug 25, 2006 |
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