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 Norbert Anthony Gotner (AFSN: 0-3085196/0-58952), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapons System Operator over Southeast Asia on 6 September 1970 On that date, Major Gotner flew deep into hostile territory to strike a newly discovered military structure and bunker complex. Hostile defenses fired at his aircraft in an attempt to discourage the attack, but the ground fire was successfully evaded and all of Major Gotner’s ordnance impacted on target. The results of his accurate bombing attack were one military structure destroyed, one structure damaged, two bunkers destroyed and four bunkers uncovered. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Gotner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Prisoner of War Medal
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (Laos)Action Date:
February 3, 1971 – March 28, 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major Norbert Anthony Gotner (AFSN: 0-3085196/0-58952), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 3 February 1971 to 28 March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (Laos)Action Date:
February 3, 1971 – March 28, 1973
Major Norbert Anthony Gotner (AFSN: 0-3085196/0-58952), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from February 3, 1971 until his release on March 28, 1973.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
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 to Major Norbert Anthony Gotner (AFSN: 0-3085196/0-58952), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapons Systems Operator over Southeast Asia on 15 September 1970. On that date, he flew in the lead aircraft of a scrambled flight of two F-4Ds and struck an opposing armed force moving across hostile territory. His accurate bombing attacks into intense small arms fire caused numerous casualties and disrupted the movement of the hostile force. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Gotner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.