During World War II, Francis Gerard became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 8 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he served in the New Jersey Air National Guard and was called to active duty during the Korean War and Berlin Crisis of 1961-1962, ultimately serving as Adjutant General of New Jersey and retiring as a Major General.
Sponsored by:
Francis
Robert
Gerard
July 11, 1924
–
November 1, 2008
Born:
Belleville
,
New Jersey
Home:
Belleville
,
New Jersey
Buried:
Arlington
,
Virginia
Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
-
Defense Superior Service Medal
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
503d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
339th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Francis Robert Gerard (ASN: 0-810646), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot of the 503d Fighter Squadron, 339th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
January 1982 – January 1990
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Francis Robert Gerard (ASN: 0-810646), United States Air Force, was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, culminating as Commanding General, New Jersey Army and Air National Guard, from January 1982 to January 1990. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Gerard culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
-
Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Major General Francis Robert Gerard, United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of Major General Gerard reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
503d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
339th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
September 11, 1944
Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 20 (February 2, 1945)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Francis Robert Gerard (ASN: 0-810646), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 503d Fighter Squadron, 339th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, on 11 September 1944. On that date, Captain Gerard shot down four enemy aircraft in aerial combat. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Gerard, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.