Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Leroy Gardner

Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Leroy Gardner

Kenneth Leroy Gardner was born in Erie on January 19, 1934 to Lloyd Emerson Gardner and Martha Krasnesky Gardner.  He is a graduate of Erie private schools and attended Gannon College where he majored in chemistry.  He joined the Air Force in October 1953 and received his commission in 1954 after a period in the aviation cadets.  Kenneth Gardner married Ruth Eileen Baker in 1960.  Together they had 2 sons and 2 daughters.

 

Kenneth Gardner was an Air Force fighter pilot in Vietnam.  His many medals included the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters, Combat Readiness Medal, Good Conduct Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.  The citation which accompanies his Distinguished Flying Cross reads:

 

“Captain Kenneth L. Gardner distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 pilot in North Vietnam on December 15, 1965.  On that date, while attacking a vital power supply point deep within hostile territory, Captain Gardner and his flight leader received direct hits to their aircraft resulting in the downing of the lead aircraft and severe damage and fire to his own aircraft.  With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Gardner aided in the successful rescue of his fallen companion and then flew his stricken aircraft safety back to friendly territory.  The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Gardner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”

 

Kenneth Gardner retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Air Force on February 1, 1974 after 20 years of service.  Upon retirement for the Air Force he worked as a guidance counselor with the Sumter County Career Center in Sumter, South Carolina.  Lt. Col. Kenneth Gardner died on May 29, 2010 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.