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 Master Sergeant Gerald Vincent Grant, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam, on 17 July 1969. Master Sergeant Grant distinguished himself while serving as a volunteer forward air controller in a fixed wing aircraft during combat operations deep in enemy controlled territory. While flying in support of a friendly ground force, Master Sergeant Grand received a request from a team for immediate extractions because of enemy activity in the area. Master Sergeant Grand immediately called for helicopter extraction assistance and instructed his pilot to fly at a low altitude over the area so he could plot the exact position of the team. Unable to locate the team on the first pass, Master Sergeant Grant directed his pilot to make another treetop level pass over the area. At this time, the enemy initiated intense rocket and automatic weapons fire at the aircraft. Despite two direct hits to the aircraft, Master Sergeant Grant continued to direct his pilot on low level passes over the area until he could secure the exact coordinates of the team and direct their helicopter extraction. Master Sergeant Grant’s outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Cemetery:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Master SergeantRegiment:
5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)Division:
1st Special ForcesAction Date:
July 12, 1959
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Sergeant MajorAction Date:
November 1966 – February 1977
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 Sergeant Major Gerald Vincent Grant, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, culminating as an Instructor, United States Army Third ROTC Region, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, from November 1966 to February 1977. His entire career has been characterized by unparalleled dedication to duty, demonstrated expertise in a variety of challenging fields, and total dedication to this country. Sergeant Major Grant’s distinguished performance of duty throughout his military career represents outstanding achievement in the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Sergeant First ClassRegiment:
5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)Division:
1st Special ForcesAction Date:
March 28 – 30, 1967
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 12 (June 8, 1976)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant First Class Gerald Vincent Grant, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Command and Control Detachment, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Grant distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions near Phu Bai. At 0700 on 30 March 1967, Sergeant Grant’s section of the perimeter came under fire from an estimated six automatic weapons. The first burst gravely wounded the unit commander, but supported by Sergeant Grant, he retained command for another hour before losing consciousness. The acting commander called for medical evacuation, but the enemy launched another attack which penetrated the perimeter. Sergeant Grant organized a counterattack and drove the enemy from the perimeter. Upon arrival of the medical evacuation helicopter, he was attempting to place the commander on the jungle penetrator but enemy fire mortally wounded the pilot causing the aircraft to crash on him and the commander. Despite his injuries, he extracted the wounded co-pilot and the commander, shielding their bodies with his as a misdirected airstrike hit the friendly forces. Subsequently, he was placed in command of the decimated force and through inspiring leadership was able to move it to a landing zone by means of a diversionary attack which enabled the evacuation of all the wounded. Exposing himself to enemy fire, he continued to direct airstrikes against the enemy throughout the evacuation. After insuring that all living personnel had been evacuated, he boarded the last helicopter. Sergeant Major Grant’s conspicuous heroism and actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon him and the military service.