AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AC-119G

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant Garrettson F. Gourley for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-119G Flight Engineer in Southeast Asia on 24 January 1971. On that date, Sergeant Gourley’s gunship was diverted from an armed reconnaissance mission to support a friendly village that was under heavy mortar and small arms attack and in danger of being overrun by a large hostile force. Sergeant Gourley constantly monitored all engine systems and adjusted power to maintain the exact airspeed required for accurate gunship firing while skillfully managing fuel consumption, enabling the gunship to remain on target for over three hours. His actions were instrumental in suppressing the hostile attack, inflicting heavy casualties upon the hostie force, and securing the village for the friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Gourley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.