AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  C-47

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Gordon Sigafoose for distinguishing himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as a C-47 Loadmaster in Southeast Asia on 30 January 1968. On that date, Sergeant Sigafoose volunteered to fly a night flare-illumination mission in support of Republic of Korea Armed Forces, who were defending Ninh Hoa against an extensive offensive operation of the hostile forces. Despite heavy friendly artillery firing at the target area and intense hostile automatic weapons fire, Sergeant Sigafoose physically dropped a large number of illuminating flares through the open cargo door of his aircraft. After expending his first load of flares, Sergeant Sigafoose’s crew returned to Nha Trang Air Base which was officially closed due to a mortar and ground attack. With unwavering calmness and courage, he rearmed the aircraft with flares while the airfield was still under assault. Sergeant Sigafoose successfully completed three sorties under almost identical conditions and through his vigilant efforts, the Korean units were able to repel the hostile forces. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Sigafoose reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.