AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-109

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Gary E. Cox for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a F-109 Pilot near Ap An Hoa, Republic of Vietnam on 15 September 1965. On that date, a forward air controller was shot down. Rescue aircraft could not pick up the pilot because of intense ground fire coming from a nearby hill. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Cox attacked directly into the hillside and the intense ground fire. He successfully silenced the fire which allowed rescue aircraft to pick up the downed pilot. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Cox reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.