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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Gerald Lynn Rounds (ASN: 0-496091), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-38 type aircraft of the 97th Fighter Squadron, 82d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in the North African Theater of Operations. On 1 March 1943, Lieutenant Rounds’ squadron escorted fourteen B-26’s over the La Hencha Bridges. Upon leaving the target, Lieutenant Rounds found himself with but one other pilot as escort for six low-level bombers. Tenaciously protecting the rear of the formation, Lieutenant Rounds shot down one ME-109, and with his comrade, gallantly repulsed repeated attacks by superior numbers of hostile aircraft and safely escorted the bombers to friendly territory. Throughout his long combat career, Lieutenant Rounds has consistently displayed devotion to duty that has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Gerald Lynn Rounds (ASN: 0-496091), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot of the 97th Fighter Squadron, 82d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action 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.