Captain Frederick D. Ledfors, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of his extraordinary heroism while flying his light observation helicopter on a voluntary rescue mission behind enemy lines north of Quan Tri City, Republic of Vietnam, on 11 July 1972. Captain Ledfors was serving as the scout team leader of an emergency rescue mission when he and his wingman were engaged by extremely intense small arms, automatic weapons, 23MM and 37MM antiaircraft fires, and heat seeking missiles. In spite of the intensity and ferocity of the voluminous hostile fire, he continued his flight in search of the downed American crewmen. During his search, Captain Ledfors continually returned fire for fire with the hostile ground forces in the area. He successfully located the crash survivors in a bomb crater, descended into the confined area and hovered to their position, skillfully maneuvering his aircraft to avoid the hostile fire coming from a known North Vietnamese Army regimental stronghold surrounding the survivorsí position. After three of the survivors were placed aboard his aircraft, Captain Ledfors attempted to depart the landing zone. However, finding his aircraft excessively overloaded, he instructed his wingman to depart ahead of him so that should he not be able to clear the area, at least his wingman would get clear. Utilizing extraordinary skill and experience, Captain Ledfors was able to coax every bit of power from his straining engine and fly clear of the battle area, again breaching the barricade of intense hostile fire. Immediately realizing that he would be unable to remain airborne with his excessive load, he accomplished an extremely hazardous night landing into a relatively secure rice paddy and transferred the survivors to another aircraft. Through his indomitable courage, total disregard for personal safety and inspiring leadership, Captain Ledfors was responsible for the successful rescue of five American aircrewmen and one Vietnamese marine all of whom were severely burned or wounded and prevented their certain capture or death at the hands of the enemy. Captain Ledforsí consipcous gallantry, extraordinary heroism and intrepidity at the risk of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

LTC. Ledfors joined the Legion of Valor in 1975.