Francis S Gabreski

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) [then Major] Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 26 November 1943, in the European Theater of Operations. On this date, Colonel Gabreski led a flight of P-47 fighters on a bomber escort mission to targets near Oldenburg, Germany. With complete disregard for the danger involved, Colonel Gabreski led his flight into protected covering fighters. He personally attacked and destroyed the leading enemy aircraft and, despite damage sustained by his airplane from contact with falling pieces of the disintegrating enemy plane, sought out and destroyed another enemy fighter before returning to join his flight for further escort of the bombers. Colonel Gabreski's outstanding and spirited aggressiveness and his heroic disregard for his personal safety in the face of superior enemy forces were an inspiration to his fellow pilots and reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 25 (April 26, 1944)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) to Colonel Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, from 5 November 1951 to 5 May 1952. As Commanding Officer, 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing, Colonel Gabreski contributed immeasurably to the air superiority achieved by the Far East Air Forces over North Korea. Utilizing his extensive knowledge of tactical air power and his varied experience in fighter aircraft, in coping with fluctuating tactical situations, battle zones, and increasing enemy air strength, he perceived, tested and put into operation many new tactics and procedures, exploiting his aircraft and personnel potential to the fullest extent. Colonel Gabreski devised methods of spacing flights of aircraft so that maximum restriction was presented to the enemy efforts, while tactical efficiency of friendly forces was maintained at a high level. The tactical doctrines he established while directing operations against a numerically superior enemy were implemented by all fighter interceptor wings in maintaining air supremacy over Korea. The aggressive leadership and outstanding professional ability displayed by Colonel Gabreski effected a fuller exploitation of the United Nations air arm, and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 27 (July 1, 1952)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, while leading his Squadron on forty fighter sweeps and bomber escort missions over enemy-occupied Europe, during the period 3 May 1943 to 15 December 1943. Major Gabreski was selected to lead his Group on three bomber escort missions and on each occasion furnished excellent support for the bomber formation. As a result of Major Gabreski's gallant leadership and untiring effort in training, the highest type of combat efficiency has been maintained at all times and losses have been held to an absolute minimum. Members of his unit have destroyed 45 enemy aircraft and severely damaged many more. The gallantry, leadership and skill in combat displayed by Major Gabreski have been a constant inspiration to all flying with him and reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 22 (January 27, 1944)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, while leading his Squadron on a sweep over Germany in advance of a heavy bombardment mission, on 22 May 1944. Observing sixteen FW-190's taking off from an airdrome, Colonel Gabreski attacked although his flight was out-numbered two-to-one. During the ensuing battle, Colonel Gabreski destroyed two enemy planes and then climbed to 12,000 feet where he was joined by part of his squadron. Twenty more enemy planes were sighted below and without hesitation, Colonel Gabreski made his attack, shooting down one plane out of the formation. Heading home, a lone FW-190 was spotted and Colonel Gabreski was successful in getting several direct hits before the enemy went into a cloud. Colonel Gabreski's dynamic leadership and aggressiveness in the face of overwhelming odds, served as an inspiration to his fellow pilots and resulted in the destruction of three enemy planes and the probably destruction of a fourth. Lieutenant Colonel Gabreski's gallant actions, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 501 (September 28, 1944)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 17 August 1964 to 31 October 1967.

Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-389 (October 30, 1967)

Note: Awarded for service as Commanding Officer of the 52nd Fighter Wing (Air Defense) which was stationed at Suffolk County Air Force Base, NY.

Major (Air Corps) Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a fighter aircraft, VIII Fighter Command, 8th Air Force, during World War II.

Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 159 (1943)

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 (Air Corps) Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a fighter aircraft of the VII Fighter Command, 8th Air Force. Major Gabreski has accomplished eighty fighter combat missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe and has destroyed two enemy airplanes in aerial combat. The skillful and zealous manner in which Major Gabreski has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Headquarters, VIII Fighter Command, General Orders No. 39 (November 4, 1943)

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 (Air Corps) Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a fighter aircraft of the VIII Fighter Command, 8th Air Force. Major Gabreski has accomplished one hundred fighter combat missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe and has destroyed five enemy airplanes in aerial combat. The skillful and zealous manner in which Major Gabreski has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Headquarters, VIII Fighter Command, General Orders No. 57 (December 27, 1943)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a fighter aircraft of the VII Fighter Command, 8th Air Force. Lieutenant Colonel Gabreski has accomplished twenty fighter combat missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe and has destroyed three enemy airplanes in aerial combat. The skillful and zealous manner in which Lieutenant Colonel Gabreski has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Headquarters, VIII Fighter Command, General Orders No. 5 (January 28, 1944)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of an Eleventh Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial combat against enemies of the United Nations Forces in Korea on 8 July 1951. Leading "Mike" Flight, the lead Flight of a Squadron of sixteen F-86's on a bomber escort mission deep in North Korea, Colonel Gabreski escorted his bombers to and from the target area. Shortly after breaking off escort, when fuel had reached a critical point, Colonel Gabreski heard a call of distress from a flight of F-86's under attack by a superior number of enemy MiG-15 High Performance jet aircraft. Although critically low on fuel, Colonel Gabreski unhesitatingly turned his flight of four F-86's back into enemy territory in order to aid the distressed aircraft. Arriving on the scene of the raging air battle, Colonel Gabreski, displaying exemplary leadership, deployed his formation in an outstanding example of tactical utilization and attacked. So vicious was his assault on the enemy fighters that they were forced to break off their attack on the friendly fighters to defend themselves. During the ensuing battle, Colonel Gabreski, by his superior airmanship and relentless tenacity, maneuvered into an advantageous position on one of the enemy MiG-15's and destroyed him. Withdrawing from the action only when fuel was dangerously low and the safety of the friendly fighters was assured, Colonel Gabreski reassembled the flight and led them to the home base. By his heroism, outstanding devotion to duty and exemplary leadership on this occasion, Colonel Gabreski has reflected great credit upon himself, his comrades in arms of the United Nations and the United States Air Force

Colonel Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to Two Previously Awarded Silver Oak Leaf Clusters in lieu of a Twelfth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 2 September 1951 in Korea.

General Orders: Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 633 (October 8, 1951)

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 addition to Two Previously Awarded Silver Oak Leaf Clusters in lieu of a Thirteenth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Francis Stanley Gabreski (ASN: 0-406132/4761A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 11 January 1952. Leading a flight of four F-86 type aircraft into combat over North Korea, Colonel Gabreski destroyed a MiG-15. His flight was patrolling the area between Sinanju and Sinuiju. The flight observed enemy MiG-15 type aircraft, and the three and four men engaged in attacking an element of MiGs. Colonel Gabreski observed another element of MiGs, and he and his wingman began to attack them. His wingman, using evasive action, had to break, and Colonel Gabreski continued to pursue the one MiG. The attacking MiGs made three firing passes on Colonel Gabreski, but he was not deterred and stayed with the MiG he had attacked. His one continuous firing pass destroyed the MiG causing it to crash. Colonel Gabreski then began his evasive action and, out of ammunition, eluded his attackers. By his high personal courage and determination, Colonel Gabreski has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 55 (January 30, 1952)