Air Force Cross Citation - Col Gerald C. Gustafson

Col Gerald C. Gustafson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Gerald C. Gustafson, Major, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Aircraft Commander of the 33d Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, SEVENTH Air Force, in action over North Vietnam on 19 November 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.