Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant Cleo D. Gingerich, United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight . While piloting an unarmed T-6 reconnaissance aircraft, Lieutenant Gingerich was requested by a friendly column to locate defensive positions along the enemy lines which pinned down their advance. He located five camouflaged enemy tanks and requested support aircraft to strike at the tanks. Mountainous terrain prevented fighters from flying low enough to locate the tanks. In the face of intense small arms fire he made several diving passes to direct the fighter strikes resulting in the destruction of the tanks and allowing United Nations’ forces to continue their drive.