Legion of Merit Citation: 

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Ralph Duane Gibson (AFSN: FR-17284A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander for Operations, 4453d Combat Crew Training Wing, Tactical Air Command, from 15 January 1969 to 7 December 1970. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Gibson resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the F-4 combat aircrew training program. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Gibson reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Distinguished Flying Cross Citation: 

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Duane Gibson (AFSN: FR-17284A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as F-4D Aircraft Commander over North Vietnam on 18 May 1968. On that date, Colonel Gibson led a flight which attacked a highly defended surface-to-air missile site. With great determination and superior airmanship while under intensive hostile ground fire Colonel Gibson destroyed the facility, negating any further defensive missile threat in the area. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Gibson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Silver Star Citation: 

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Ralph Duane Gibson (AFSN: FR-17284A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action on 18 June 1951 Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter-Bomber and as leader of a flight of six F-86 Fighter-Bombers of the 335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, on combat air patrol in the Sinuiju-Yalu area of North Korea. Lieutenant Gibson demonstrated outstanding ability and courage in turning his element into a group of MiG-15 enemy fighters which were beginning an attack on his flight. As a result of his skill and daring he destroyed one enemy aircraft and repulsed the attack. Although his gun sight had become inoperative during this encounter, he led his element into another air battle in which the friendly aircraft were greatly outnumbered. The aggressiveness with which he maneuvered his element was of great assistance in disrupting the enemy attack. During the battle Lieutenant Gibson closed to an extremely short range and destroyed a second MiG-15 without the aid of a gun sight. Despite this handicap he continued to press the attack until the enemy was routed. Lieutenant Gibson’s gallant performance was in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.

RALPH GIBSON

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EAST LAWN PALMS CEMETERY

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