A gas turbine engine includes a high pressure compressor disposed about a central longitudinal axis, a combustor, and a diffuser case. The diffuser case includes an outer ring providing a first platform and an inner ring providing a second platform. The first platform and the second platform are axially between the high pressure compressor and the combustor with respect to the central longitudinal axis. A plurality of circumferentially spaced struts extend radially from the first platform to the second platform and each include first and second circumferential sides. A plurality of heat shields are disposed on a leading edge defined at a forward end of a respective one of the plurality of struts.