Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

3rd Aero Squadron, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1918

"For extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 3d Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., during the St. Mihiel offensive, 26 September 1918. Although he had received orders to go to the United States, Major Spaatz begged for and received permission to serve with a pursuit squadron at the front. Subordinating himself to men of lower rank, he was attached to a squadron as a pilot and saw continuous and arduous service through the offensive. As a result of his efficient work he was promoted to the position of night commander. Knowing that another attack was to take place in the vicinity of Verdun, he remained on duty in order to take part. On the day of the attack west of the Meuse, while with his patrol over enemy lines, a number of enemy aircraft were encountered. In the combat that followed he succeeded in bringing down three enemy planes. In his ardor and enthusiasm he became separated from his patrol while following another enemy far beyond the lines. His gasoline giving out, he was forced to land and managed to land within friendly territory. Through these acts he became an inspiration and example to all men with whom he was associated."

War Department, General Orders No. 123

Rank:

Major

Awarded on:

1929

"For extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight. From 1 to 7 January 1929, Major Spaatz commanded the airplane Question Mark on a refueling flight, at and near Los Angeles, California, which remained in the air a total of 150 hours, 40 minutes and 15 seconds, a period of continuous flight longer than and previous flight ever accomplished. By his endurance, resourcefulness, and leadership he demonstrated future possibilities in aviation which were heretofore not appreciated, and thus reflect great credit upon himself and the Army of the United States."

War Department, General Orders No. 7

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant General

Unit:

Northwest African Air Forces (NAAF), Mediterranean Air Command (MAC), Allied Forces

Awarded on:

1943

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility. General Spaatz directed the planning and forming of the TWELFTH Air Force. Later, he commanded this Air Force until its absorption into the Northwest African Air Force, of which he assumed command. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Spaatz and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces."

War Department, General Orders No. 29

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant General

Unit:

Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF), Allied Forces

Awarded on:

1944

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, of the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces, including the 12th Air Force in Africa and the 15th Air Force and the Royal Air Force in Italy from 1943 to 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Spaatz and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."

War Department, General Orders No. 84 (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant General

Unit:

U.S. Strategic Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

August 13th, 1945

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, U.S. Strategic Air Forces in Europe, in the European Theater of Operations from September 1944 to May 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Spaatz and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces."

War Department General Orders No. 67 (Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant General

Awarded on:

1945

"For demonstrating the air power concept through employment of American aviation in the war against Germany [in 1944]."

Annually awarded for:
"The greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

General

Awarded on:

July 15th, 1946

Rank:

General

Awarded on:

June 11th, 1948

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility culminating as Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force from 26 September 1947 to 30 April 1948. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Spaatz culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 40 (Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

Eighth Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. As Commanding General of the EIGHTH Air Force, General Spaatz was unusually successful in the solution of difficult problems of air organization, quartering, training and maintenance in the European Theater. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Spaatz and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With bronze palm

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With bronze palm

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With bronze palm

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)