Willsie, Harold

Date of birth:: September 18th, 1915
Date of death:: August 26th, 1942 (Papua New Guinea)
Mentioned on:: American Cemetery and Memorial Manila
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major
Unit:: 93rd Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: December 2nd, 1942

"For gallantry in action while serving with the 93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in action at Milne Bay, New Guinea, on 26 August 1942. Major Willsie was Co-Pilot of a B-17E type aircraft which was part of a formation of eight planes that attacked a Japanese convoy in Milne Bay. Adverse weather conditions forced it to approach the target from an altitude of 2,000 feet. Despite a heavy anti-aircraft barrage which was sent up by five enemy warships, Major Willsie continued on the bombing run until his plane received a direct hit and burst into flames, causing it to crash into the bay. Such courage and devotion to duty exemplify the finest traditions of the United States Army Air Corps."

General Orders: Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 38 (posthumously awarded)