Truesdell, Karl, Jr.

Date of birth:: 1908 (Plattsburg Barracks/New York, United States)
Date of death:: August 22nd, 1978 (New York, United States)
Buried on:: Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 34. Grave: 263.
Service number:: 0-19258
Nationality:: American

Biography

Major General Karl Treusdell commanded a heavy bomber formation during the Second World War. He retired in 1963.

Promotions:
22 April 1936: First lieutenant (temporary)
13 June 1936: First lieutenant (permanent)
9 September 1940: Captain (temporary)
22 July 1941: Major (temporary)
23 January 1942: Lieutenant Colonel (temporary)
8 September 1942: Colonel (temporary)
13 June 1943: Captain (permanent)
19 October 1949: Colonel (permanent)
3 December 1952: Brigadier general (temporary)
3 December 1954: Major general (temporary)

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Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: Commanding Officer, 95th Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: September 10th, 1944

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Karl Truesdell, Jr. (ASN: 0-19258), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while leading a formation of heavy bombers as Commanding Officer, 95th Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force on a shuttle mission, during the period from 18 September to 22 September 1944. On the first leg of the operation, Colonel Truesdell, as Task Force Commander, maneuvered his units through strong enemy opposition to accomplish his assignment, and continued on, landing at a friendly base. The following day, he led the bombers against a heavily defended installation in enemy occupied territory. Nearing the target, the formation was subjected to intense ground fire, Colonel Truesdell's plane sustained four hits. With one engine knocked out, another engine disabled and the right wing of the plane in flames, he resolutely maintained his position in the formation and led his units over the assigned target. After successfully bombing the target, Colonel Truesdell relinquished the lead position and in his capacity as Co-Pilot, assisted the pilot in flying the crippled aircraft to a friendly base. On 22 September 1944, he led the formation back to bases in England. Throughout the entire operation, Colonel Truesdell's personal gallantry, leadership and devotion to duty were an inspiration to all serving under him.

Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 510

Legion of Merit - Officer (LoM - O)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: Commanding Officer, 95th Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: 1945

Colonel (Air Corps) Karl Truesdell, Jr. (ASN: 0-19258), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 95th Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force, from 1944 to 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Truesdell and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.