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Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Army Air Forces, was captured after he was shot down over Germany on 25 July 44 and held until he was liberated in April 1945.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    8th Fighter Command

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 5, 1944
    Headquarters, VIII Fighter Command, General Orders No. 28 (April 5, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a fighter aircraft of the 8th Fighter Command, EIGHTH Air Force. Lieutenant Colonel Gabreski has accomplished twenty fighter combat missions, or the equivalent thereof, over enemy occupied Continental Europe and has destroyed three enemy airplanes in aerial combat. The skillful and zealous manner in which Lieutenant Colonel Gabreski 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    8th Fighter Command

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 8, 1944
    Headquarters, VIII Fighter Command, General Orders No. 47 (June 8, 1944)

    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 addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of an Eighth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement and heroism in aerial combat and the destruction of two enemy airplanes over enemy occupied Continental Europe while serving as pilot of a fighter aircraft of the VIII Fighter Command, EITHTH Air Force. The skillful and zealous manner in which Lieutenant Colonel Gabreski 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    8th Fighter Command

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    July 27, 1944
    Headquarters, VIII Fighter Command, General Orders No. 64 (July 27, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Ninth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement and heroism in aerial combat and the destruction of two enemy airplanes over enemy occupied Continental Europe while serving as pilot of a fighter aircraft of the VIII Fighter Command, EITHTH Air Force. The skillful and zealous manner in which Lieutenant Colonel Gabreski 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    61st Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    56th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 3 – December 15, 1943
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 22 (January 27, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, while leading his Squadron on forty fighter sweeps and bomber escort missions over enemy-occupied Europe, during the period 3 May 1943 to 15 December 1943. Major Gabreski was selected to lead his Group on three bomber escort missions and on each occasion furnished excellent support for the bomber formation. As a result of Major Gabreski’s gallant leadership and untiring effort in training, the highest type of combat efficiency has been maintained at all times and losses have been held to an absolute minimum. Members of his unit have destroyed 45 enemy aircraft and severely damaged many more. The gallantry, leadership and skill in combat displayed by Major Gabreski have been a constant inspiration to all flying with him and reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    61st Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    56th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 22, 1944
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 501 (September 28, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, while leading his Squadron on a sweep over Germany in advance of a heavy bombardment mission, on 22 May 1944. Observing sixteen FW-190’s taking off from an airdrome, Colonel Gabreski attacked although his flight was out-numbered two-to-one. During the ensuing battle, Colonel Gabreski destroyed two enemy planes and then climbed to 12,000 feet where he was joined by part of his squadron. Twenty more enemy planes were sighted below and without hesitation, Colonel Gabreski made his attack, shooting down one plane out of the formation. Heading home, a lone FW-190 was spotted and Colonel Gabreski was successful in getting several direct hits before the enemy went into a cloud. Colonel Gabreski’s dynamic leadership and aggressiveness in the face of overwhelming odds, served as an inspiration to his fellow pilots and resulted in the destruction of three enemy planes and the probably destruction of a fourth. Lieutenant Colonel Gabreski’s gallant actions, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    8th Fighter Command

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 10, 1944
    Headquarters, VIII Fighter Command, General Orders No. 71 (August 10, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Tenth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement and heroism in aerial combat and the destruction of five enemy airplanes over enemy occupied Continental Europe while serving as pilot of a fighter aircraft of the VIII Fighter Command, EITHTH Air Force. The skillful and zealous manner in which Lieutenant Colonel Gabreski 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    8th Fighter Command

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 19, 1944
    Headquarters, VIII Fighter Command, General Orders No. 33 (April 19, 1944)

    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 addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Seventh Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a fighter aircraft of the 8th Fighter Command, EIGHTH Air Force. Lieutenant Colonel Gabreski has accomplished ten fighter combat missions, or the equivalent thereof, over enemy occupied Continental Europe and has destroyed four enemy airplanes in aerial combat. The skillful and zealous manner in which Lieutenant Colonel Gabreski 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    September 2, 1951
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 633 (October 8, 1951)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to Two Previously Awarded Silver Oak Leaf Clusters in lieu of a Twelfth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 2 September 1951 in Korea.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    January 11, 1952
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 55 (January 30, 1952)

    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 addition to Two Previously Awarded Silver Oak Leaf Clusters in lieu of a Thirteenth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 11 January 1952. Leading a flight of four F-86 type aircraft into combat over North Korea, Colonel Gabreski destroyed a MiG-15. His flight was patrolling the area between Sinanju and Sinuiju. The flight observed enemy MiG-15 type aircraft, and the three and four men engaged in attacking an element of MiGs. Colonel Gabreski observed another element of MiGs, and he and his wingman began to attack them. His wingman, using evasive action, had to break, and Colonel Gabreski continued to pursue the one MiG. The attacking MiGs made three firing passes on Colonel Gabreski, but he was not deterred and stayed with the MiG he had attacked. His one continuous firing pass destroyed the MiG causing it to crash. Colonel Gabreski then began his evasive action and, out of ammunition, eluded his attackers. By his high personal courage and determination, Colonel Gabreski has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    51st Fighter Interceptor Wing

    Division:

    Far East Air Forces

    Action Date:

    November 5, 1951 – May 5, 1952
    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 27 (July 1, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force) to Colonel Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, from 5 November 1951 to 5 May 1952. As Commanding Officer, 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing, Colonel Gabreski contributed immeasurably to the air superiority achieved by the Far East Air Forces over North Korea. Utilizing his extensive knowledge of tactical air power and his varied experience in fighter aircraft, in coping with fluctuating tactical situations, battle zones, and increasing enemy air strength, he perceived, tested and put into operation many new tactics and procedures, exploiting his aircraft and personnel potential to the fullest extent. Colonel Gabreski devised methods of spacing flights of aircraft so that maximum restriction was presented to the enemy efforts, while tactical efficiency of friendly forces was maintained at a high level. The tactical doctrines he established while directing operations against a numerically superior enemy were implemented by all fighter interceptor wings in maintaining air supremacy over Korea. The aggressive leadership and outstanding professional ability displayed by Colonel Gabreski effected a fuller exploitation of the United Nations air arm, and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.