The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Herbert J. Gavin, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Gavin distinguished himself as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics; and Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Headquarters Tactical Air Command, from 7 July 1971 to 24 February 1974. During this period, General Gavin’s outstanding achievements, dynamic leadership and initiative resulted in the development of an extraordinarily responsive tactical logistics system specifically tailored to meet the worldwide commitments of the Tactical Air Command in support of national and international objectives. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Gavin reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Herbert J. Gavin, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Gavin and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
Sacramento Air Logistics CenterAction Date:
May 1, 1975 – May 31, 1978
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 Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Herbert J. Gavin, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Gavin distinguished himself as Commander, Sacramento Air Logistics Center, from 1 May 1975 to 31 May 1978. In this important assignment, the forceful leadership and the outstanding and dedicated efforts of General Gavin were significantly displayed in optimum logistics support to the United States Air Force operating and support commands. He was instrumental in overcoming critical and near crisis logistics support and operational flight programs affecting the F-111 aircraft fleet. General Gavin had a significant influence on the development of a multi-million dollar cost saving integrated logistics support system for the A-10 aircraft; the development of unique automated logistics support and material requirements systems for allied nations and foreign military sales programs and the establishment of numerous initiatives and programs in the area of human and community relations. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Gavin culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelRegiment:
460th Tactical Reconnaissance WingDivision:
Tan Son Nhut Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
September 17, 1968
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Herbert J. Gavin, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an RF-4C aircraft of the 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam, FAR EAST Air Forces, in action over the Republic of Vietnam, on 17 September 1968. On that date, Colonel Gavin flew his unarmed and unescorted RF-4C reconnaissance jet against a heavily defended target of vital importance in the defense of the Dak To area of South Vietnam. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Colonel Gavin repeatedly exposed himself to an intense concentration of ground fire to successfully accomplish vital photographic coverage of this high priority target area. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Colonel Gavin has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Herbert J. Gavin, United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of an RF-4C aircraft of the 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam, FAR EAST Air Forces, in action over the Republic of Vietnam in 1968. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.