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 Colonel James Keith Gibson (AFSN: 0-53569), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an O-1 Pilot and Forward Air Controller attached as Air Liaison Officer to the 3d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division (U.S. Army), in action in Southeast Asia on 2 February 1968. On that date, Major Gibson flew his unarmed aircraft against hostile forces which had attacked a friendly location. Despite intense automatic and anti-aircraft weapons fire which damaged his aircraft and wounded him, Major Gibson, with undaunted determination and courage, repeatedly brought confusion and disorder to the hostile forces by diving his small aircraft at their positions and firing his individual weapon, thereby driving them out into the open where they came under the effective fire of friendly forces. His control and direction of fighter aircraft resulted in the defeat of the hostile forces and saved innumerable friendly lives. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness, Major Gibson reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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 Colonel James K. Gibson (AFSN: 0-53569), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 27 December 1967. On that date, Major Gibson flew his unarmed observation aircraft in support of friendly ground forces besieged by .50 caliber automatic crew-served weapons. Major Gibson made repeated low passes over these positions to draw their hostile fire and expose themselves to attack from fighter aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Gibson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelRegiment:
3d BrigadeDivision:
9th Infantry Division (U.S. Army)Action Date:
January 8, 1968
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1361 (May 7, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel James K. Gibson (AFSN: 0-53569), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an O-1 Pilot and Forward Air Controller attached as Air Liaison Officer to the 3d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division (U.S. Army), directing fighter aircraft in the Republic of Vietnam on 8 January 1968. On that date, Major Gibson flew in support of friendly ground forces ambushed by a superior enemy force. Major Gibson repeatedly made courageous passes over the hostile weapon positions in order to draw their fire from the beleaguered friendly forces and to mark the unfriendly positions for supporting aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Gibson has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.