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 to Major Jerauld Richard Gentry, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia, on 28 August 1971. On that date, despite poor visibility, precipitous terrain, and fiercely accurate small arms and anti-aircraft artillery fire, Major Gentry, flying as a low level, fast moving Wolf Forward Air Controller, made repeated low altitude marking and strafing passes to pinpoint hostile gun sites and supply storage areas. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Major Gentry continued to pinpoint the hostile target locations and control the ordnance deliveries of friendly forces until the hostile gun sites and storage areas were destroyed. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Gentry reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorAction Date:
December 17, 1969 – June 22, 1970
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 Major Jerauld Richard Gentry, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the project test pilot for F-4 Stall/Near Stall testing at the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California, from 17 December 1969 to 22 June 1970. During this period, Major Gentry flew numerous approaches to out-of-control flight conditions and successfully determined and refined the correct recovery procedures from this accident-causing phase of flight. This knowledge, gained at considerable risk to himself, was invaluable in furthering the safe operation of the F-4 in hazardous combat conditions. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Gentry reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
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 Major Jerauld Richard Gentry, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force over Southeast Asia, as an F-4D Aircraft Commander, on 11 July 1971. On that date, Major Gentry, as a Forward Air Controller, displayed unparalleled courage and selfless devotion to the accomplishment of his mission while directing a strike against a well-defended hostile target. By constantly disregarding the high threat to his life, Major Gentry directed the destruction of numerous gun positions severely crippling the hostile defensive capability. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Gentry has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
September 23, 1981 – February 28, 1985
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 Jerauld Richard Gentry, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief, Special Projects Division and Deputy Director for General Purpose Forces, Directorate of Operational Requirements, Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Development and Acquisition, Headquarters United States Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia, from 23 September 1981 to 28 February 1985. In these positions, Colonel Gentry was personally responsible for initiatives which will significantly improve the combat capability of over 3,000 aircraft and which will help insure the viability of the fighter force well into the next century. His in-depth technical knowledge, extensive operational experience and superior judgment were frequently the decisive factors in the success of vital programs. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Gentry culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.