The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Gerald C. Gustafson (AFSN: 17295971), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Aircraft Commander near a vital military target in a heavily defended area of North Vietnam on 28 October 1967. On that date, as an element leader in a flight of F-105’s flying surface-to-air missile suppression for the main force attacking a heavily defended railroad bridge, Major Gustafson repeatedly offered himself and his aircraft as bait for the heavy surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery defenses in the area. During this operation, Major Gustafson observed a missile site in the process of launching a missile and, with complete disregard for his own safety, proceeded to attack and destroy the site in spite of the intense and accurate anti-aircraft artillery fire directed at his aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Gustafson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Air Force Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
333d Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
355th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air BaseAction Date:
November 19, 1967
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Major Gerald C. Gustafson (AFSN: 17295971), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Aircraft Commander of the 33d Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, in action over North Vietnam on 19 November 1967. On that date, Major Gustafson’s aircraft was severely damaged by a surface to air missile while he was assisting another pilot who had received battle damage and had been wounded. Major Gustafson refused to leave his comrade until other escort aircraft could be vectored in to give the wounded pilot assistance in reaching his home base safely. Only then, did Major Gustafson egress to a safer area where he was force to eject from his own stricken aircraft. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness, Major Gustafson reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
333d Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
355th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air BaseAction Date:
October 24, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-871 (March 19, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Gerald C. Gustafson (AFSN: 17295971), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the pilot of an F-105F over North Vietnam on 24 October 1967. On that date, Major Gustafson was number two in a flight performing a classified mission in support of the first strike against a heavily defended military target. This mission was successfully accomplished by Major Gustafson resulting in the destruction of his assigned target. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Gustafson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
333d Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
355th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air BaseAction Date:
December 17, 1967
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Gerald C. Gustafson (AFSN: 17295971), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105F pilot over North Vietnam on 17 December 1967. On that date, Major Gustafson was conducting a classified mission in support of a force directed against a heavily defended airfield. On three different occasions, with complete disregard for his own safety, he engaged superior numbers of opposing MiG aircraft attempting to intercept the main force. By these selfless acts he enabled the force to deliver their ordnance with pinpoint accuracy, unhindered by MiG attack. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Gustafson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.