Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

822nd Bombardment Squadron, 38th Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Citation:
"For meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight over the Bismarck Sea near New Britain on December 1, 1942."

Details:
"This B-25-type aircraft was one of six engaged in a bombing attack on an enemy convoy, consisting of four destroyers. The bombers were intercepted by twelve Zero-type enemy fighters which concentrated on making head-on passes at the leading flight of three bombers. However, the bombing run was maintained, despite the heavy barrage of anti-aircraft fire from the four naval warships and the continuous attacks of the hostile fighters, and at least one direct hit and three near misses were scored on the leading ship of the convoy.

"All three bombers of the leading flight were damaged by the Zero's guns, one of them bursting into flames and crashing. The other wingman was so badly damaged by enemy fire that it was forced to cease operations.

"With the Zeros still pressing home their attacks, this crew of the leading aircraft elected to reduce speed in order to protect the crippled airplane and, taking advantage of cloud cover available, skillfully led the flight back to base. Two of the intercepting planes were destroyed, while hits were scored on at least three more hostile aircraft. The courage, ability, and devotion to duty displayed by these crew members on this occasion are worthy of commendation."