Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

24th Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Awarded on:

August 28th, 1942

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in action near Cebu, Philippine Islands on April 10, 1942. While engaged in a reconnaissance flight in the vicinity of Cebu, Philippine Islands, Captain Putnam located an enemy convoy about to make a landing. Although he knew that friendly air support was not available, he unhesitatingly attacked the ships and landing parties with his machine guns. When attacked by two enemy aircraft he engaged them in combat, destroying one and forcing the other to retire, and again attacked the convoy until his amunition was exhausted. Returning to Iloilo, Panay, Philippine Islands, he reserviced and re-armed his airplane and made another attack on the enemy vessels, in spite of heavy antiaircraft fire. By his prompt and daring attacks against superior, armed forces he inflicted heavy damage on hostile vessels and disrupted the enemy landing."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

24th Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Citation:
"For gallantry in action against the enemy as a P-40 Fighter Pilot of the 24th Pursuit Group, FAR EAS Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Action during World War II. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army Air Forces."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Vietnam War (1955-1975)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

Commander, Southern North American Air Defense Command, U.S. Air Force

Synopsis:
"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, culminating as Commander, Southern North American Air Defense Command/Continental Air Defense Command Region and the FOURTEENTH Air Force with headquarters at Gunter Air Force Base, Alabama, from November 1966 to September 1968. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Putnam culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."

Period:

Vietnam War (1955-1975)

Rank:

Major General

Citation:
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Putnam and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)