COMCIVPACLANTCONUS takes extreme pleasure in presenting the

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
w/ DRIVING CROSS COUNTRY CLUSTER to

MAJOR "UNCLE FRANK" GULLEDGE
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, RETIRED

for service as set forth in the following 

CITATION

      "For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving with  MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON,  CIVILIAN ARM in connection with humanitarian operations against the enemy, Gravity, in New Mexico.  On 28 May 2003,  Uncle Frank launched as Pilot of a Piper Warrior on a mission,  (Disguised as  an extended  cross country  flight experience for his  fledgling  co-pilot, (Chase Cardin),  to  perform  high  altitude  mountain flying. 
      While flying at  2500 feet AGL, with an 8500 foot Density Altitude, Uncle Frank experienced a sickening feeling brought about by  the catastrophic loss of the #1 cylinder pushrod at the valve lifter impact surface.  Instantaneously assaulted  by  the enemy  force, Gravity,  which caused an  immediate  loss of 500  feet,  Uncle Frank  skillfully  turned  his  wounded  Piper  Warrior in the direction of  Zuni Pueblo,  New Mexico.   He  steadfastly  coaxed  the  failing aircraft,  battled the continuous loss of altitude, and suffered the meddling of well  wishers and  do-gooders on  the  radio as he valiantly  flew  his  crippled steed to the only safe landing place, Black Rock Airport. 
      Uncle Frank  was  asked  by Albuquerque Center  if he needed  any safety equipment on landing.   In his usual straightforward manner he answered,  "I am a Marine dammit!   I'll get this plane down,  even if I have to land short." Undaunted by  the throes and assaults of Gravity and a disintegrating engine, he  bravely  and  resolutely maneuvered  his aircraft over  23 miles of  hostile terrain and,  with only a few feet of altitude left to spare,  he safely landed his aircraft.   Thus,  he saved  not only a valuable  U. S. Marine asset,  (his butt), but  also  the  less  valuable  hide  of  his civilian  co-pilot.   Additionally,  his superior  judgment  and  outstanding  airmanship  were   responsible  for  the preservation of an expensive aircraft.
      Uncle Frank  immediately  made  sure  his aircraft  was secured before he transitioned  to  an  earthly  conveyance  in  order  to  complete  his  mission. Without  concern for  his low level  beer light  and in  spite of a  sweaty flight suit,   he  drove  straight  through  to  California.    Upon  arriving  at  Camp Pendleton,   he  presented  all  "Purple  Fox"  Marines  with  mementos  that heightened the warrior camaraderie and finely tuned "Purple Fox" Squadron Spirit.   By  virtue of his superb  airmanship,  strength of character, and bold initiative he  was able to  provide inspiration  and comfort to  his assiduously attentive  co-pilot,  Chase Cardin,  who witnessed his  unselfish  dedication to landlocked duty.   Uncle Frank's courage,  superior aeronautical ability,  and selfless transportation skills displayed in the face of great personal "Pranger" were  in  keeping with  the highest  traditions of the  Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."