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 lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William A Gauntt (AFSN: 0-18652766/685621), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander with the 14th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia on 18 May 1972. On that date, Captain Gauntt flew an extremely dangerous reconnaissance mission assigned to obtain important photography of the heavily defended railroad network leading northeast from Hanoi. Although handicapped greatly by extremely poor weather conditions and by unavoidable mission delays, Captain Gauntt never wavered in his determination to accomplish his mission, and braving extremely intense antiaircraft artillery fire, he successfully acquired the invaluable intelligence. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Gauntt reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Prisoner of War Medal
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 13, 1972 – March 27, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain William A Gauntt (AFSN: 0-18652766/685621), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 13 August 1972 to 27 March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
14th Tactical Reconnaissance SquadronDivision:
Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
June 11, 1972
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 lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William A Gauntt (AFSN: 0-18652766/685621), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 11 June 1972. On that date, Captain Gauntt led a composite flight of reconnaissance aircraft and fighter escorts to obtain bomb damage assessment along the Northeast Railroad leading out of Hanoi. With complete disregard for his own personal safety while braving severe and accurate antiaircraft fire, Captain Gauntt attained outstanding results with complete coverage of all assigned targets, thereby enabling higher echelons of command to accurately evaluate enemy capabilities. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Gauntt reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 13, 1972 – March 27, 1973
Captain William A Gauntt (AFSN: 0-18652766/685621), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from August 13, 1972 until his release on March 27, 1973.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
14th Tactical Reconnaissance SquadronDivision:
Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
August 9, 1972
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William A Gauntt (AFSN: 0-18652766/685621), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander with the 14th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Dong Hoi, North Vietnam, on 9 August 1972. On that date, Captain Gauntt flew his unarmed reconnaissance aircraft over one of the most hostile areas of Southeast Asia to return with invaluable photography revealing vital enemy supply depots and storage areas. His discoveries provided a critical link needed by higher headquarters to properly assess the enemy order of battle. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Gauntt reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.