Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant

Unit:

764th Bombardment Squadron, 461st Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Citation:
"For meritious achievement in aerial flight whlie participating in sustained operational activities against the enemy from 2 april 1944 to 13 april 1944."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant

Unit:

764th Bombardment Squadron, 461st Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Citation:
"For extraordinary achievement in aerial flight. On 13 April 1944, Lieutenant Steele was the pilot of a B-24 type aircraft on a particularly hazardous mission to bomb an enemy aircraft factory in Hungary. Despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Steele brought his plane over the target for a hughly successful bombing run, inflicting grave damage to the factory area. Turning from the target, an accurate burst of flak exploded just below his right wing, setting an engine on fire and forcing the plane to fall out of the formation. Although losing altitude rapidly, Lieutenant Steele gained control of the ship and made every possible attempt to extinguish the fire. From the time the crippled ship left the formation, it was attacked by aggressive waves of enemy fighters forcing Lieutenant Steele to employ brilliant evasive action and to seek the protection of the clouds which he succeeded in reaching with the plane well in control. When last seen, he appeared to be attempting a controlled landing in friendly territory. By his outstanding professional skill and courage displayed in the face of overwhelming odds, Lieutenant Steele has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.