Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Frank
Leon
Gaunt
April 11, 1918

–

January 15, 2006

Born:

North Platte

, 

Nebraska

Home:

North Platte

, 

Nebraska

During World War II, Frank Gaunt became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 8 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war, he completed Medical School and worked as a physician for many years.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    44th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    18th Fighter Group

    Division:

    13th Air Force

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1943
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 533 (December 27, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Frank Leon Gaunt (ASN: 0-725144), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane of the 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in action over the Solomon Islands, on 15 July 1943. While leading a flight of P-40s engaged in combat with a numerically superior force of enemy aircraft, Captain Gaunt personally shot down three Japanese Zeros and assisted in successfully dispersing the others. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Gaunt, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    44th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    18th Fighter Group

    Division:

    13th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Frank Leon Gaunt (ASN: 0-725144), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane of the 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    44th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    18th Fighter Group

    Division:

    13th Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 30, 1943
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 533 (December 27, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Captain (Air Corps) Frank Leon Gaunt (ASN: 0-725144), United States Army Air Forces, for heroism at the risk of his own life while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane of the 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force. On 30 June 1943, Captain Gaunt observed a P-38 crash into a P-39, and with complete disregard for his own safety rescued the pilot from the burning P-38. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.