Gen. Gaynor, a member of the only brother team to receive DSC’s in World War II received his Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism during the Ardennes Offensive on 19 December 1944. He covered the displacement of his company with accurate carbine fire, killing eight of the foe. Although exposed to heavy enemy fire, he then formed his company into a strong defensive line inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and forcing them to disperse.

BG Gaynor resided in Virginia. He, along with his brother, Robert M. Gaynor received the D.S.C. while serving with the 28th Infantry Division.