Arthur William Gebaur, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Arthur William Gebaur, Jr. (A0-11583), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Pilot with the 7th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing, FIFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea on 29 August 1952. Realizing that the successful accomplishment of three quick turn-around missions required the utmost in careful planning and execution, Colonel Gebaur determined it his duty to lead his squadron in all three attacks. Immediately after returning from the first mission, Colonel Gebaur carefully briefed the Group on the flak positions and evasive tactics to be employed on the next attack, then led the Group back to the target. After turning in on his bomb run, Colonel Gebaur received a damaging, glancing hit from an 85 millimeter explosive shell, but continued his attack, accurately scoring hits on the assigned target. Coming off his bomb run, Colonel Gebaur spotted eight quadruple .50 caliber gun positions firing at the Group. Completely disregarding the damage to his aircraft and with concern only for the safety of those he led, Colonel Gebaur attacked the blazing gun positions through intense smoke. Through Colonel Gebaur’s superior airmanship, and high personal courage, the gun positions were silenced and the remainder of the Group successfully completed their attacks on the assigned target. Through his keen flying skill, outstanding gallantry in the face of a determined enemy and exemplary devotion to duty, Colonel Gebaur reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.