AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-4D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Gerald S. Evelan for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Navigator over Southeast Asia on 25 October 1969. On that date, while acting as a night Forward Air Controller, Major Evelan executed multiple consecutive low level passes under flare light, intentionally drawing intense highly accurate antiaircraft artillery fire towards his aircraft on each pass. His complete dedication and his utter disregard for his own personal safety thus led to the identification and silencing of seven antiaircraft artillery sites making possible the success of a new interdiction concept. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Evelan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Major Gerald S. Evelan for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Navigator over Southeast Asia on 26 June 1969. On that date, Major Evelan was the lead navigator on a highly successful night strike against a heavily defended hostile storage complex. Despite marginal weather and heavy defenses, he succeeded in destroying or silencing an active gun emplacement and also destroyed many tons of supplies destined for use against friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Evelan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.