Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

65th Bombardment Squadron, 43rd Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces

Awarded on:

1943

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Flight Engineer of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial action against enemy forces on 16 June 1943, during a Photo-Reconnaissance air mission over Bougainville Island. Sergeant Able was a member of a volunteer bomber crew which undertook an important and dangerous photo mapping mission over the heavily defended enemy base at Buka. Just before the photographing was completed, about twenty enemy fighters attacked. The bomber was extensively damaged and five of the crew were seriously wounded. After a forty-five minute running fight, in which five enemy planes were destroyed and two damaged, the bomber was flown safely to its base five hundred and eighty miles away. Sergeant Able showed admirable skill and determined courage on this voluntary mission, which secured information of great value in subsequent operations. The courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Able on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces."

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 66

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

5th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces

Awarded on:

1943

Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 123