Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Regiment:

    49th Fighter-Bomber Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 8, 1952

    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 132 (March 12, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Clifford C. Gould (AFSN: AO-756546), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as Pilot of an F-84 Thunderjet Fighter-Bomber and as Group Leader of a group of thirty-two F-84 aircraft of the 49th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 8 December 1952. On that date, Colonel Gould led his group through marginal weather to the target, the strategic enemy bridges at Kwaksan, Korea. Upon letting down through low clouds, Colonel Gould discovered enemy anti-aircraft positions which would greatly hamper the successful completion of the mission. Singling out the most active gun position, Colonel Gould, completely disregarding the risk, flew directly into the line of deadly fire, dropping both his bombs squarely on the gun position. Other members of his flight destroyed additional anti-aircraft positions, providing greater security for the remainder of the group. After the highly successful attack on the bridges, Colonel Gould competently re-formed all members of the group and led them safely to the home base. Through his exceptional marksmanship and high personal courage in the face of a determined enemy, Colonel Gould reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.