Navy Federal Credit Union

Sergeant Gamlin was attached to the Korean Tiger Division during the action that earned him the Air Force Cross, and was subsequently awarded the Korean Order of Military Merit by his Korean comrades. His was one of the few Air Force Crosses awarded for ground action.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Division:

    3d Republic of Korean Army “Tiger Division”

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1969

    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 Sergeant Theodore R. Gamlin (AFSN: 11915175), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force in the Republic of Vietnam, as a Ground Radio Operator attached to the 3d Republic of Korean Army “Tiger Division”, on 25 October 1969. On that date, while under heavy hostile mortar attack, and in dense ground fog, Sergeant Gamlin utilized his radio equipment to obtain assistance for wounded Allied personnel. Despite his own wounds, he made his way to an unsecured landing zone where he fully exposed himself to possible enemy fire in order to light the landing area for a rescue helicopter. After carrying the wounded men to the helicopter, he refused evacuation so he could further assist in the camp defense during the night. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Sergeant Gamlin reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.