Orlando Llenza

Llenza was born to Maria Isabel Lopez and Harry B. Llenza in San Juan the capital of Puerto Rico, where he received his primary and secondary education. In 1947, he graduated from Central High School and applied for admission at Georgia Institute of Technology. In 1951 he earned his bachelor's degree in Architecture and a commission as 2st lieutenant thru the Air Force ROTC program.[1]

Llenza began his military career as an enlisted airmen in the United States Air Force Reserve in 1946 and in 1951 joined the regular United States Air Force as a 2nd lieutenant assigned to Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock County, Texas. Attended USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training, the Air War College, and Air Command and Staff College in Maxwell Air Force Base, among others.[1]

Korean War

F-104 - Type of aircraft flown by Llenza

During the Korean War, Llenza flew as a pilot in the 9th Air Refueling Squadron. During his career he flew the T-6 Texan, B-25 Mitchell, Boeing KB-29M tanker, KC-97 Stratofreighter tanker, T-33 Shooting Star Shooting Star, F-86 Sabre D, E, F and H models, F-104 Starfighter, and the C-47 Skytrain, C-54 Skymaster, C-131 Samaritan transports.[1]

After Llenza retired from active duty he was named Adjutant General of the Puerto Rico National Guard by Governor Carlos Romero Barceló, a position which he held from 1977 to 1983.[1] Llenza became the mission director in Ecuador for US AID from 1983 to 1986. As a civilian he was a successful architect with Llenza & Llenza (the other Llenza was Hector his brother).[2]

Llenza is also the recipient of many awards, including the U.S. Distinguished Service Medal and the National Order of Merit-Ecuador.[1] The now-retired General Llenza is the Chairman of the American Veterans' Committee for Puerto Rico Self-Determination. Llenza is a member of the Board of Directors of the United States Council for Puerto Rico Statehood.[3]

Among Llenza's decorations and medals were the following:

•   Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
•   National Defense Service Medal
•   Air Force Longevity Service Award
•   Air Force Training Ribbon
•   Puerto Rico National Guard Distinguished Service Medal
•   Florida Distinguished Service Medal

Badges:

•   Command pilot

Foreign award

National Order of Merit-Ecuador

• List of Puerto Ricans
• List of Puerto Rican military personnel
• Hispanics in the United States Air Force

• "Puertorriquenos Who Served With Guts, Glory, and Honor. Fighting to Defend a Nation Not Completely Their Own"; by : Greg Boudonck; ISBN 1497421837; ISBN 978-1497421837

• Puerto Rico Herald