Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

350th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Awarded on:

September 10th, 1943

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 350th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 17 August 1943, against enemy ground targets in Bremen, Germany. With his ship badly damaged, partially out of control, and with serous injuries to his personnel, Major Cleven continued to lead his squadron to the target in the face of extremely heavy attacks by enemy aircraft, executed a successful bombing attack, and reached base in North Africa safely. This brilliantly successful operation, to which Major Cleven contributed very largely, resulted in a damaging blow to the enemy by the destruction of military objectives and of a large number of enemy aircraft. The extraordinary heroism, coolness, and skill displayed by Major Cleven on this occasion reflect the greatest credit upon himself and were an inspiration to the members of his command."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

w/ bronze campaign star

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

3 bronze oak leaf clusters

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)