Larry B. Mason

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Larry B. Mason, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an aircraft commander of a B-57 tactical jet bomber on 15 March 1966. On that date, while attacking a heavily defended target, Captain Mason’s aircraft was hit repeatedly by 57-mm. and 37-mm. shells which set fire to the right engine and created extreme vibration in the left engine. One shell exploded in the rear cockpit, wounding the navigator and severing a section of wiring which deprived the crew of most electrical power. Wind, blasting through a large hole in the fuselage, scattered dirt and debris around the cockpit temporarily blinding Captain Mason. As he regained his sight, he realized that a safe bailout could not be affected because of the wounded navigator’s condition. With one engine shut down and the other on fire, and with approximately 30 square feet of surface missing from the right wing, Captain Mason, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, attempted the return flight to his home base. Flight conditions were further hampered by inoperative radios, no hydraulic pressure or oxygen, severe airframe vibration, and no indication of gear position or fuel level. Through outstanding airmanship, he piloted his crippled aircraft to a safe landing in friendly territory. By his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Captain Mason reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.