A gas turbine engine is provided that includes a compressor section, a combustor section with a multiple of pre-swirlers, a diffuser case module, and a manifold. The diffuser case module includes a multiple of struts within an annular flow path from said compressor section to said combustor section, wherein at least one of said multiple of struts defines a mid-span pre-diffuser inlet in communication with said annular flow path. The manifold is in communication with said mid-span pre-diffuser inlet and said multiple of pre-swirlers.