The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Gary Fox Sanderson, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an HH-53 Rescue Crewmembers on 6 October 1969. On that date, Captain Sanderson courageously participated in the successful extraction of five downed American aircrew members and forty-six indigenous Army troops from an area under direct attack from hostile forces. He provided suppressive fire to protect both his fellow crewmembers and the survivors, and voluntarily exposed himself to heavy ground fire while helping the survivors to board the helicopter as mortars were impacting within fifteen yards of their position. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Sanderson reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Gary Fox Sanderson, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight an HH-53B/C Aircraft Commander, 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 21 December 1969. On that date, Captain Sanderson successfully rescued two American airmen from deep in heavily defended hostile territory. Captain Sanderson continued with his effort, despite hostile ground fire, until the airmen were safely on board his aircraft, saving them from certain capture and probable death. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Sanderson reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

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 with Combat “V” to Captain Gary Fox Sanderson, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an HH-53B/C Aircraft Commander, 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, on 28 December 1969. On that date, Captain Sanderson and his crew descended into a heavily defended hostile area to attempt the rescue of two downed American airmen. Even though the area was a suspected helicopter trap and his aircraft was continually fired upon, Captain Sanderson continued with the effort until the rescue was successfully completed. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Sanderson reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.