Gerald Clayton “GUS” Gustavson, 95, of Mankato, originally of New Richland, passed away at the Mankato Hillcrest Rehabilitation Center early on Friday, March 1, 2024.
Gerald Gustafson cause of death
The specific cause of his demise wasn’t stated. However, the circumstances surrounding his death is not known.
Gerald Gustafson obituary information
On September 14, 1928, Gus was born in New Ulm, Minnesota, to Herbert and Ida (Edlund) Gustafson.
He joined the US Air Force during the Korean War, was commissioned shortly after, and started a career as a fighter pilot, specialized in River Rats. He flew more than 100 sorties, avoided captivity twice, and was shot down twice during the Vietnam War.
He moved to George Washington University after the Vietnam War, where he eventually graduated with a master’s degree in international affairs and started working at the Pentagon.
After serving in the Air Force for almost thirty years, he was awarded a decorated Colonel’s pension. Gus was an active member of numerous local veterans associations as well as the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association when he retired.
He took pleasure in tending to his hobby farm and gardening as well. Among many other awards, he was the proud bearer of the Purple Heart, the Air Force Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Force Cross.
