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 Major Gerald C. Gustafson (AFSN: 17295971), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Aircraft Commander near a vital military target in a heavily defended area of North Vietnam on 28 October 1967. On that date, as an element leader in a flight of F-105’s flying surface-to-air missile suppression for the main force attacking a heavily defended railroad bridge, Major Gustafson repeatedly offered himself and his aircraft as bait for the heavy surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery defenses in the area. During this operation, Major Gustafson observed a missile site in the process of launching a missile and, with complete disregard for his own safety, proceeded to attack and destroy the site in spite of the intense and accurate anti-aircraft artillery fire directed at his aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Gustafson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 with Combat “V” to Major Gerald C. Gustafson (AFSN: 17295971), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105F pilot over North Vietnam on 17 December 1967. On that date, Major Gustafson was conducting a classified mission in support of a force directed against a heavily defended airfield. On three different occasions, with complete disregard for his own safety, he engaged superior numbers of opposing MiG aircraft attempting to intercept the main force. By these selfless acts he enabled the force to deliver their ordnance with pinpoint accuracy, unhindered by MiG attack. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Gustafson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.