WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, had the distinct honor of presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross, one of our nation’s highest honors for gallantry in military service, to Hudson resident, former First Lieutenant Alfred Coburn LeFeber at a ceremony held in Portman’s Cleveland office. 

“It’s a unique honor to present Mr. LeFeber with this long overdue recognition for his bravery and service to our nation,” said Portman. “The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to our nation’s finest heroes, and I feel very privileged today to play a very small role in helping Mr. LeFeber receive the recognition he deserves.”

Mr. LeFeber served in the Army Air Corps in World War II as a member of the Pathfinders Squadron.  He was a First Lieutenant in the Bomber Command of the 9^th Air Force on the European Western Front.

After the presentation, Mr. LeFeber said he was “very honored and very touched to receive these medals,” and that he “finally received (his) varsity letter.”

Mr. LeFeber and his family were not aware that he was eligible for the award until reading a news story that all World War II veterans who served in combat were eligible for the Bronze Star Medal and they contacted Portman’s office. Portman and his staff worked with the Army to facilitate the process.

Alongside the Distinguished Flying Cross, Mr. LeFeber was awarded the Air Medal with two Bronze Oak Leafs and one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star and Silver Service Star, the World War II Victory Medal and the World War II Honorable Service Lapel Button.

Senator Portman’s casework office is able to assist Ohioans dealing with the many agencies of the federal government. If you need assistance with military issues, Social Security, Immigration or other federal government services, contact Senator Portman’s casework office at 1-800-205-6446.