TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Lyle, Lewis E.

Date of death:
April 6th, 2008 (Hot Springs/Arkansas, United States)
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Lewis Lyle retired on 1st July 1967 with the rank of Major General.

Lewis Lyle was one of the founders of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Pooler.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
Commanding Officer 360th Bombardment Squadron
Awarded on:
April 5th, 1943

HQ, 8th Air Force, G.O. No. 155 (1943).
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
360th Bombardment Squadron, 303rd Bombardment Group (H) (360th Bombardment Squadron, 303rd Bombardment Group (H))
Awarded on:
1944
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 360th Bombardment Squadron, 303d Bombardment Group (H), Eighth Air Force, while participating in bombing missions from 17 November 1942 through 15 June 1944, against enemy ground targets in the European Theater of Operations. On all occasions Lieutenant Colonel Lyle demonstrated exemplary and courageous leadership, employing skilful and effective counter measures against whatever fighter opposition he has encountered and bombing enemy installations with consistently excellent results. Colonel Lyle's heroic and fearless leadership and his continued determination to fulfill his assigned task in the face of all odds has reflected highest credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces."

U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 44 (1944).
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
Deputy Group Commander 303rd Bombardment Group
Awarded on:
May 29th, 1944
Silver Star Medal (SSM)

HQ, 8th Air Force, G.O. No. 449 (1944).
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
Deputy Group Commander 303rd Bombardment Group
Awarded on:
June 21st, 1944

HQ, 8th Air Force, G.O. No. 486 (1944)
Second Silver Star received as an Oak Leaf Cluster for on the ribbon of the first Silver Star.
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
Commanding Officer 303rd Bombardment Group
Awarded on:
May 6th, 1945
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Colonel
Unit:
Commanding Officer 303rd Bombardment Group / 379th Bombardment Group
Awarded on:
1945
Croix de Guerre (1939-1945)

Sources

Photo