Air Force Cross
Gerald Gustafson won the Air Force Cross, the second highest award for gallantry in the United States Air Force, during the Vietnam War. He flew F-105 Thunderchiefs from Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base base in Thailand and was shot down on two occasions.
He was awarded the medal in November, 1967. His citation noted that "The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, awards the Air Force Cross to Major Gerald C. Gustafson for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Aircraft Commander over North Vietnam on November 19, 1967. On that date, Major Gustafson's aircraft was severely damaged by a surface to air missile while he was assisting another pilot who had received battle damage and had been wounded. Major Gustafson refused to leave his comrade until other escort aircraft could be vectored in to give the wounded pilot assistance in reaching his home base safely. Only then, did Major Gustafson egress to a safer area where he was force to eject from his own stricken aircraft. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness, Major Gustafson reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."
Gustafson along with Lieutenant Colonel Robert W. Smith and Major Bruce Stocks all received Air Force Crosses for the same mission on November 19, 1967.
Read more about this topic: Gerald Gustafson
Famous quotes containing the words air, force and/or cross:
“He who wishes to teach us a truth should not tell it to us, but simply suggest it with a brief gesture, a gesture which starts an ideal trajectory in the air along which we glide until we find ourselves at the feet of the new truth.”
—José Ortega Y Gasset (1883–1955)
“Teach us to live our lives with purpose and with power
for visions of a better world and for decision’s hour;
To choose the way of life, reject the way of death,
until the radiant force of God fills mind and strength and breath.”
—Walter J. Mathams (19th–20th centuries)
“You might say that Lyndon Johnson is a cross between a Baptist preacher and a cowboy.”
—Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908–1973)