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

Dittrick, Arthur Leighton

Date of birth:
October 2nd, 1918 (Lakewood/Ohio, United States)
Date of death:
November 28th, 1988 (Cohasset/Massachusetts, United States)
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Arthur Leighton Dittrick also was entitled to wear the Presidential Unit Citation.

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

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant
Unit:
Fighter Squadron 3 (VF-3), U.S. Navy
Citation:
"For Meritorious achievement in aerial flight as pilot of Fighter Squadron THREE, attached to the U.S.S. Yorktown, during action against the enemy Japanese forces in Formosa, the China Coast and the Philippines, in January 1945. Undaunted by adverse weather conditions and intense enemy antiaircraft fire, Lieutenant Dittrick carried out numerous destructive bombing and strafing attacks against the enemy's grounded aircraft, shore installations and shipping in these areas, thereby contributing to the success of his squadrons missions. By his skill as an airman and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Dittrick upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Air Medal (AM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant
Unit:
Fighter Squadron 3 (VF-3), U.S. Navy
Citation:
"For meritorious achievement in aerial flight as a pilot of a fighter plane in Bombing Fighting Squadron THREE, attached to the U.S.S. Yorktown, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Formosa, China and Nansei Shoto from January 15 to 22, 1945. Participating in five combat missions during this period, Lieutenant Dittrick carried out attacks against hostile installations, thereby contributing materially to the success of his squadron. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Second Air Medal received as a golden star for on the ribbon of the first decoration.
Air Medal (AM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant
Unit:
Fighter Squadron 3 (VF-3), U.S. Navy
Citation:
"For Heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a pilot of a fighter plane in Bombing Fighter Squadron THREE, attached to the U.S.S. Yorktown, in action against the ememy forces in the Japanese homeland on February 17, 1945. Braving persistant enemy air opposition and intense antiaircraft fire during an attack against enemy airfields in the vicinity of Tokyo, Lieutenant Dittrick skillfully engaged and shot down an enemy fighter and, pressing home accurate bombing and strafing attacks, contributed materially to the destruction of enemy installations and grounded aircraft. His airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With two campaign stars.
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With one campaign star.
Philippines Liberation Medal

Sources

  • Photo 1: Tom Dittrick
  • - Citation for Air Medals and Distinguished Flying Cross
    - Photo of decorations

Photo