The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Gerald C. Westendorf (MCSN: 0-92018), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Marine All Weather Attack Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE (VMA(AW)-533), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy. On the night of 2 September 1967, First Lieutenant Westendorf launched as Bombardier/Navigator aboard an A-6 Intruder aircraft assigned to attack a heavily defended and vital enemy naval supply area north of Hon Gay, North Vietnam. Skillfully employing his navigational equipment, he directed his pilot on a low altitude route which utilized irregular terrain features to maximum advantage and allowed the aircraft to penetrate deep into enemy territory before being discovered. Upon reaching the vicinity of Hon Gay, he quickly located the target area and rapidly commenced computing accurate attack information, simultaneously observing that his aircraft had come under enemy radar surveillance. Immediately employing his electronic countermeasures systems, he steadfastly continued to monitor his sophisticated equipment although his aircraft came under a heavy volume of fire from enemy anti-aircraft weapons. Disregarding the hostile fire directed at his aircraft, he provided precise bomb release data which enabled the pilot to deliver his ordnance with devastating accuracy, causing several large secondary explosions in the target complex. Departing the area, he exhibited exemplary skill in repeatedly vectoring his aircraft around massive concentrations of enemy fire, enabling the aircraft to successfully return to the Chu Lai Air Base. First Lieutenant Westendorf’s courage, exceptional professionalism and steadfast devotion to duty were instrumental in the successful accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Gerald C. Westendorf (MCSN: 0-92018), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Marine All Weather Attack Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE (VMA(AW)-533), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy. On the night of 12 July 1967, First Lieutenant Westendorf launched as Bombardier/Navigator aboard an A-6 Intruder aircraft on a bombing mission against the heavily defended Yen Bay railroad complex located in the Red River Valley northwest of Hanoi, North Vietnam. Displaying exemplary professional skill, First Lieutenant Westendorf assisted his pilot in navigating his aircraft at extremely low altitudes above treacherous and unfamiliar terrain without the aid of visual references. As he entered the entrance to the valley, he was alerted by his warning equipment that enemy fire-controlled radar had pinpointed the aircraft. Although aware that the element of surprise had been lost and that the alerted enemy was bringing formidable and accurate radar-controlled defense systems into action, he resolutely continued to assist his pilot despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles. When the aircraft approached the bomb release point, blinding enemy searchlights temporarily impaired the pilot’s night vision, but First Lieutenant Westendorf calmly issued verbal vectors to the pilot, thereby ensuring that the aircraft remained on the correct attack heading. Disregarding the intense hostile anti-aircraft fire directed at his aircraft, he continued to monitor and direct the attack and ensured a successful bombing run which resulted in the delivery of all the ordnance on the assigned target with unerring accuracy. After completion of the aggressive attack, he ably assisted in navigating the aircraft through the hazardous mountain terrain until he was safely out of the hostile area. First Lieutenant Westendorf’s courage, exceptional professionalism and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of the dangerous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.