Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

24th Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Awarded on:

August 28th, 1942

Citation:
"For extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight between Kindley Field, Corregidor, Philippine Islands, and Iloilo, Panay, Philippine Islands, on April 9, 1942. Proceeding from Kindley Field in the only available aircraft, a primary trainer, without sufficient gasoline to reach his destination, and without maps or any aids to navigation, he flew towards Mindanao, Philippine Islands, over enemy territory at night. Exhausting the gasoline supply, he was forced to land on a beach in Northern Palawan which was occupied by the enemy. He procured gasoline from the natives, serviced the aircraft, and with assistance of other natives, constructed a run-way of palm leaves on the beach. He succeeded in continuing his flight until again forced down, due to insufficient gasoline and bad weather, at Guimaras Island, Panay, Philippine Islands. The following day he proceeded to Iloilo, Panay, Philippine Islands, and from there, he and his passengers were ferried to their final destination."