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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
December 6, 1969
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-974, Amended by Special Order G-1322 (March 27, 1970)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 Captain Gary Fox Sanderson, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 6 December 1969. On that date, Captain Sanderson was the Aircraft Commander of an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter and descended into one of the most heavily defended hostile areas in Southeast Asia to attempt the rescue of an American airman, even after eleven other helicopters had made the attempt and been forced to withdraw with severe battle damage. Captain Sanderson continued his attempts until the intense hostile ground fire and darkness forced him and his crew to withdraw. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Sanderson has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
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 Gary Fox Sanderson, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States WHILE ASSIGNED TO THE Standard Systems Center, Computer Systems Division, Air Force Communications Command, Gunter Air Force Base, Alabama, from 24 March 1986 to 31 July 1990. During this period, Colonel Sanderson consistently demonstrated exemplary performance in successfully managing a number of major communication-computer programs and projects which were critical to the operational and functional missions within the Air Force and Department of Defense. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Sanderson culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
December 21, 1969
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-3801 (August 24, 1970)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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
December 28, 1969
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2853 (June 25, 1970)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.