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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Gilbert S. Gatto for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Gatto distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 21 October 1968 while serving as a helicopter pilot during a medical evacuation mission in the Republic of Vietnam. When a friendly infantry unit became heavily engaged with a large enemy force and suffered several casualties, Warrant Officer Gatto's medical evacuation helicopter was called into the embattled area. Exposing himself to the intense hostile fire, Warrant Officer Gatto placed a heavy volume of suppressive fire upon the enemy emplacements as he extracted the wounded men on two separate trips into the insecure landing zone. After medically evacuating all the wounded to safety, Warrant Officer Gatto returned to extract the remaining infantrymen. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.