Fleming, Patrick Dawson

Date of birth:: January 17th, 1918 (New York City/New York, United States)
Date of death:: February 16th, 1956 (San Joaquin County/California, United States)
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: Fighting Squadron 80 (VF-80), U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: December 30th, 1944

"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces on 25 November 1944 in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands. While leading a two-plane communication relay he encountered an enemy formation of five planes and despite the numerical odds he attacked the enemy formation and shot down two enemy planes. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0685

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: Fighting Squadron 80 (VF-80), U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: January 13th, 1945

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY (VF-80), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action on 14 December 1944 in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands. He led a division in an eight-plane formation and despite the numerical odds attacked an enemy formation of twenty-seven planes and during the ensuing engagement he shot down four enemy planes. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander 2d Carrier Task Force: Serial 090

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: Fighting Squadron 80 (VF-80), U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: March 8th, 1945

"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy planes and installations in the Formosa area on 3 January 1945. Encountering a superior number of enemy fighters, he led his division unhesitatingly into an attack, resulting in the destruction of at least five enemy planes of which he shot down three. Despite extremely hazardous weather conditions, and intense anti-aircraft fire over the target area, he was able to bring his division back to its base without loss or damage. His intrepidity, aggressive fighting spirit and leadership were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0151 (First Gold Star in lieu)

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: Bombing Fighting Squadron 80 (VBF-80), U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: December 9th, 1945

"For gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Bombing Fighting Squadron 80 (VBF-80), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action against enemy air installations and air power in the Tokyo area on 17 February 1945. He led a division of planes on a fighter sweep and personally destroyed four enemy aircraft in the air amid heavy anti-aircraft fire. His courage, determination and leadership, in the face of enemy superiority, during the entire action were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander Air Forces Pacific: Serial 25349 (Second SSM received as Oak Leaf Cluster)

Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: Bombing Fighting Squadron 80 (VBF-80), U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: December 9th, 1945

"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Bombing Fighting Squadron EIGHTY (VBF-80), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in the action against Tokyo air fields on 16 February 1945. He skillfully and courageously led a division of planes on a fighter sweep against enemy airpower. During the action, he personally destroyed five aircraft in the air amid heavy anti-aircraft fire. His skill and courage coupled with his leadership and complete disregard for his personal safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander Air Forces Pacific: Serial 25349

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: Fighting Squadron 80 (VF-80), U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: March 1st, 1947

"For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 9 to 16 January 1945. Lieutenant Fleming completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character."

Commander Air Forces Pacific: Serial 1333 (Second Gold Star in lieu)

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Korean War (1950-1953)
Rank:: Colonel

"For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight."

Awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to two previously awarded Gold Stars in lieu of a Fourth DFC

Distinguished Service Medal - Air Force

Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: 93rd Heavy Bombardment Wing, U.S. Air Force
Awarded on:: 1956

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, from February 1954 to February 1956. As Deputy Wing Commander, 93d Bombardment Wing (Heavy), Colonel Fleming was directly instrumental in developing more efficient, safer, and easier methods for utilizing equipment in training of personnel in modern jet bombardment operations. His depth of knowledge and profound understanding of aircraft performance and bombardment operations, and his ability to lecture, educate and indoctrinate personnel in methods of improving procedures, significantly contributed to the successful conversion of this wing to jet bombardment aircraft. The untiring efforts and adept resourcefulness and dedicated devotion of Colonel Fleming to the attainment of a high state of combat readiness greatly improved the managerial effectiveness of the command aircraft conversion and training program. His actions may be readily associated with the increased operational capability of the Strategic Air Command. The outstanding contributions to national security rendered by Colonel Fleming have reflected the greatest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."

Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 60