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 Major (Armor) John C. Gilbreath, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 15 April 1969, while serving as S-3, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Major Gilbreath was in a command and control helicopter directing ground elements of the 2d Squadron who were operating near Nui Ba Dien. As he directed the movement of the tanks and armor, his ship came under intense automatic weapons fire from well-concealed and heavily-fortified North Vietnamese positions. He made repeated low-level passes over the suspected emplacements as he simultaneously coordinated and adjusted artillery fire ahead of his elements. He established a landing zone for the medical evacuation ships, called in airstrikes by fighter bombers and directed the ground assault against the enemy positions. He remained over the area until his ship was seriously damaged and forced to make an emergency landing. Major Gilbreath’s devotion to duty, courage and professional competence were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

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 Major (Armor) John C. Gilbreath, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 9 July 1969, while serving as the S-3 with the 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Major Gilbreath was directing ground elements in a reconnaissance mission when word was received that a convoy had been attacked nearby. Major Gilbreath immediately directed his men to the contact area and requested gunship and tactical air support for the convoy. Upon reaching the contact area, Major Gilbreath made low-level passes in order to accurately assess the size and location of the enemy. Despite the intense hostile fire directed at his ship, he continued to mark enemy locations with smoke grenades and direct suppressive fire. Major Gilbreath’s accurate and timely coordination of air and artillery support contributed greatly to the defeat of the enemy force resulting in twenty-one enemy killed in action. Major Gilbreath’s courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

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 to Major (Armor) John C. Gilbreath, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 20 June 1969, while serving as the S-3 with 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Major Gilbreath was fling in a command and control helicopter when he was informed of a possible enemy ambush. He immediately directed his pilot to fly to the site and make a reconnaissance of the suspected area before the convoy moved through. He then made repeated low-level flights to draw fire from the enemy and to reveal their position. While making one dangerous low flight, the jungle suddenly erupted in hostile volley’s of automatic weapons fire which tore through several sections of the helicopter. After notifying the ground unit of the location of the enemy force, he directed his pilot to make another pass over the area, pinpointing the exact locations of the estimated company of North Vietnamese Army soldiers. Noticing that the friendly ground forces had become disorganized, he directed his pilot to land and directed them to the contact area. Through his leadership from the air and on the ground the enemy ambush was broken and the hostile soldiers driven from the area, leaving behind seven enemy killed in action. Major Gilbreath’s devotion to duty and disregard for his own safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.