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 Lieutenant Colonel Gerald F. Fitzgerald (AFSN: FR-16728), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a member of the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 3 February 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Colonel Fitzgerald led a flight of four F-105D Thunderchiefs to destroy a vital railroad bridge. Despite heavy flak on the last fifty miles in and an intense barrage of hostile gunfire over the target, Lieutenant Colonel Fitzgerald made a dive bomb attack that completely severed the bridge. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Fitzgerald has reflected great 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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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air force, Special Order G-1162 (August 8, 1967)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 Lieutenant Colonel Gerald F. Fitzgerald (AFSN: FR-16728), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a combat aircrew member in Southeast Asia on 3 May 1967. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from unfriendly forces, Colonel Fitzgerald demonstrated courage, undaunted determination, and superior skill in pressing home devastating air attacks against hostile positions. Persevering in the face of danger and death, he relentlessly and effectively aided in neutralizing the hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Fitzgerald reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 18, 1973 – August 31, 1974
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Gerald F. Fitzgerald (AFSN: FR-16728), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief, Instrument Systems Item Management Division, Directorate of Materiel Management, Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, from 18 June 1973 to 31 August 1974. During this period his performance was marked by singularly significant actions which insured the operational readiness of first-line weapon systems and furthered Air Force interests as well as the security of the United States. Consistently, through innovative, vigorous and decisive actions, he resolved critical problems and attained achievements of a truly exceptional scope. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Fitzgerald culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.