Ralph D. Gibson

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Ralph Duane Gibson (AFSN: FR-17284A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy as Pilot, 335th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, on 9 September 1951. On that date, Captain Gibson led “Blue” flight, a formation of four F-86 aircraft on combat aerial patrol in the Sinuiju-Yalu River area in North Korea. Arriving in the target area, Captain Gibson’s squadron was subjected to repeated attacks by superior forces of enemy MIG-15 jet aircraft. During these attacks Captain Gibson displayed extraordinary daring and skill as he sought the initiative. On two occasions Captain Gibson deliberately exposed himself to enemy fire in order to draw them from his squadron commander who was engaged in combat with other enemy fighters. As a result of Captain Gibson’s aggressive maneuvers his flight became separated and Captain Gibson was alone. Although the usual policy was for single aircraft to withdraw from the area, Captain Gibson returned to the area of the raging dogfight. Sighting a superior force of enemy MIG-15 planes moving unopposed into the target area, Captain Gibson alone attacked this formation, although the enemy had the advantage of altitude. In the ensuing battle Captain Gibson dispersed the entire enemy formation, singled out the leader and destroyed him. Withdrawing from the area only when he was out of ammunition and low on fuel, Captain Gibson returned to his home base. The destruction of this enemy MIG-15 brought Captain Gibson’s total score to five MIG-15s destroyed, one probably destroyed and two damaged making him one of the JET aces in the world. By his extraordinary heroism, his complete disregard for personal safety and his exemplary devotion to duty, Captain Gibson reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.

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 as leader of a flight of six F-86 aircraft of the 335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 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.