Leo J. Erler

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Leo James Erler (AFSN: AO-196840), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in Korea during the period July through November 1950. Colonel Erler was responsible for the supervision of Air Installations development in Korea and assuring the constant, uninterrupted flow of necessary material to forward air bases. His personal visits to forward airfields and frequent flights in the combat areas enabled him to plan and accomplish the earliest use of selected airfield sites and proved of great value to the United States Air Force. During these actions he was frequently subjected to enemy ground fire. By his exemplary leadership and courageous conduct, Colonel Erler aided materially in the United Nations’ campaign against the North Korean enemy, reflecting credit upon himself and upholding traditions of the military service.