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 Gerald Leon Finton (AFSN: FV-3107711), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an F-4C aircraft near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 21 August 1967. On that date, Captain Finton participated in a force of United States Air Force aircraft whose mission was to interdict a vital segment of the North Vietnamese supply network. Despite withering defensive reaction in the form of intense, heavy accurate anti-aircraft artillery, surface-to-air missile barrage and hostile fighter interceptor attack, Captain Finton pressed his attack in such a manner as to achieve extraordinary results with the deliver of his ordnance. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Finton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Gerald Leon Finton (AFSN: FV-3107711), United States Air Force, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia in 1967.

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 Gerald Leon Finton (AFSN: FV-3107711), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C pilot in Southeast Asia on 30 March 1967. On that date, Captain Finton was part of a three ship low level, high speed strike against a major steel mill complex in hostile territory. In the face of marginal weather, and the heaviest defenses ever encountered by the United States Air Forces in Southeast Asia, Captain Finton exhibited extraordinary courage and aggressive spirit by pressing the attack and delivering his ordnance on the target. The outstanding heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Finton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.