World War II - Distinguished Service Cross - Army Air Corps
There are 5,600 recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross during World War II.
Listed here are the 762 Air Force recipients who received the Air Force Cross, and their citations, alphabetically by last name.
* Indicates Killed in Action (KIA), Missing in Action (MIA), Prisoner of War (POW), or Died Non-Battle (DNB)
ABLE, JOHNNIE J., JR.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Johnnie J. Able, Jr., Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Flight Engineer of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial action against enemy forces on 16 June 1943, during a Photo-Reconnaissance air mission over Bougainville Island. Sergeant Able was a member of a volunteer bomber crew which undertook an important and dangerous photo mapping mission over the heavily defended enemy base at Buka. Just before the photographing was completed, about twenty enemy fighters attacked. The bomber was extensively damaged and five of the crew were seriously wounded. After a forty-five minute running fight, in which five enemy planes were destroyed and two damaged, the bomber was flown safely to its base five hundred and eighty miles away. Sergeant Able showed admirable skill and determined courage on this voluntary mission, which secured information of great value in subsequent operations. The courage and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Able on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 66 (1943)
ADAMS, JACK
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Jack Adams, First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 19th Bombardment Group (H), FAR EAST Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 14 December 1941, against enemy Japanese surface vessels in the Southwest Pacific. On this date First Lieutenant Adams was engaged in a bombing mission against two enemy transports. Lieutenant Adams' B-17 was continuously attacked from the time it reached the target area. Machine-gun bullets cut through the plane, wounding several of the personnel and knocking out two engines. After a forced landing on the island of Masbate, just across the strait from Legaspi, the crew ran for cover while persistent enemy fighters completely destroyed the plane by strafing. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Adams on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 27 (1942)
ADAMS, ROBERT H.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert H. Adams, Major (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-26 Medium Bomber in the 453d Bombardment Squadron, 323d Bombardment Group (M), NINTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 14 January 1945, against enemy ground targets in Europe. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Major Adams on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 37 (1945)
Home Town: Churchville, New York
ADKINS, FRANK E. (DNB)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Frank E. Adkins (AO-421570), Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 17th Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group, FAR EAST Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 1 March 1942, in the Southwest Pacific War Area. Second Lieutenant Adkins' unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 25 (1942)
Home Town: Montgomery County, Tennessee
ALEXANDER, JOHN A.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John A. Alexander, First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving in aerial combat against enemy forces on 25 December 1944. First Lieutenant Alexander's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 53 (1945)
ALISON, JOHN R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John R. Alison (0-21393), Major (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 16th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, TENTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 30 July 1942, over Hengyang, China. On that date, Major Alison took off in a P-40 fighting plane at 1:00 a.m. to intercept an enemy formation of three heavy bombers flying at 15,000 feet over Hengyang. Without hesitation, he closed for attack upon this superior force, and although receiving fire from the hostile wing ships in engine and cockpit, he delivered fire in succession to each of the three bombers, two of which burst into flames and crashed. The other turned from the attack with smoke pouring from both engines and probably did not reach its home base. With his damaged plane failing and pursuit impossible, Major Alison would have been justified under the circumstances, in leaving his ship by parachute, but he chose to attempt a night crash landing in order to save his vitally needed equipment. Being unable to reach the field, he landed in a nearby river, from which his plane was salvaged. In attacking this superior force at night, destroying two bombers and possibly the entire hostile formation after his ship had been damaged by enemy cross fire, and then attempting to save his stricken plane, Major Alison displayed extraordinary heroism and outstanding skill. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 10th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Forces-China/Burma/India, General Orders No. 8 (September 12, 1942)
Born: November 21, 1912 at Gainesville, Florida
Home Town: Gainesville, Florida
ALLEN, BROOKE EMPIE
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Brooke Empie Allen, Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber and Commander of the 42d Bombardment Squadron, 11th Bombardment Group (H), HAWAIIAN Air Force, in aerial action against enemy Japanese Naval surface forces during the period 4 to 6 June 1942, at Midway. Lieutenant Colonel Allen led his squadron of B-17s in four attacks against the Japanese Task Force during the first two crucial days of the Battle of Midway. The gallant leadership, personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Allen on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Hawaiian Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: Hawaiian Department, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 155 (1942)
Born: September 1, 1910 at Columbus County, North Carolina
Home Town: Wilmington, North Carolina
*ALLEN, KEITH N. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Keith N. Allen (0-303121), Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of an Airplane in the 1403d Base Unit, in aerial action on 20 September 1944, over Norway. On that date Lieutenant Colonel Keith Allen, pilot, Captain Schreiner, co-pilot, and seven crew members took off from Leuchars on an operational mission to drop supplies to the underground in Norway. After crossing the coastline in Norway, number one engine began to smoke and run rough. This condition continued until they reached the target area and released the containers. The engine then caught fire and was feathered and the fire extinguished itself. They decided to head for Murmansk as heading back across the North Sea was a bit risky. The plane finally crossed the mouth of the Kola inlet as the crew looked for a place to land. Three searchlight cones of three each were turned on, indicating an airfield. In attempting to turn back toward the airfield, without knowing it, the pilot flew over the Russian Battleship Archangel. During this time the Russian colors of the day were being fired from the Very pistol, all lights on the plane were turned on, including the landing lights, and calls were being made on the International distress frequency. At this time, the battleship Archangel opened fired along with some shore batteries, hitting engine number two which caught fire, shooting off the left rudder and damaging the left wing. With the plane on fire Colonel Allen ordered Captain Schreiner to bail out the crew, advising that he would follow. The engineer released two life rafts through the bomb bay. The right waist gunner was hit by flak and bailed out, the navigator escaped thru the nose wheel well after destroying the classified material and making sure the IFF was destroyed. The navigator escaped thru the nose wheel well after destroying the classified material and making sure the IFF was destroyed. Lieutenant Colonel Allen's unquestionable devotion to duty at the cost of his life is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 9 (1945)
Home Town: Cook County, Illinois
*ALSIP, RAYMOND H. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Raymond H. Alsip (35169026), Corporal, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving in aerial action against enemy forces on 3 February 1943. Corporal Alsip's unquestionable valor in aerial combat at the cost of his life is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 74 (1943)
Home Town: Brazil, Indiana
AMBROSE, TALMADGE L.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Talmadge L. Ambrose (AO-767060), First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 410th Fighter Squadron, 373d Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 8 April 1945, over Hanover, Germany. On this date First Lieutenant Ambrose shot down a total of FOUR enemy aircraft. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 69 (1945)
Born: at Akron, Ohio
Home Town: Columbus, Ohio
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (WWII), Distinguished Flying Cross, 18@ Air Medals
ANDERSON, BERNARD E.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Bernard E. Anderson, Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving in a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the 30th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, during a bombing mission on 5 October 1942, against enemy Japanese targets in the Southwest Pacific. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Anderson on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 61 (1942)
ANDERSON, BERNARD L.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Bernard L. Anderson, Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy on the ground from 9 April 1943 through 1 April 1945, in the Philippine islands. Lieutenant Colonel Anderson distinguished himself while serving with Philippine Guerilla Forces, in actions against enemy Japanese Forces. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 9 (1945)
*ANDERSON, MARSHALL JUDSON (MIA-KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Marshall Judson Anderson (0-396368), First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 20th Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group, FAR EAST Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 17 January 1942, during an air mission over the Philippine Islands. Leading his flight in battle over the Philippines, First Lieutenant Anderson dispersed a superior force of enemy dive bombers, shot down an enemy observation plane, forced a hostile bomber formation to flee, and then attacked a Japanese convoy. Lieutenant Anderson's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 12 (1942)
Home Town: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
ANDERSON, RICHARD H.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Richard H. Anderson (AO-694214), First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in the 19th Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, SEVENTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 25 May 1945, over the Central Pacific Ocean. On that date First Lieutenant Anderson shot down FIVE enemy aircraft in a single mission. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 7th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: Tenth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 220 (1945)
ANDERSON, SHELDON K. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sheldon K. Anderson (AO-702741), Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 319th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 16 October 1944, in the Mediterranean Theater of Action. On this date Second Lieutenant Anderson shot down THREE enemy aircraft. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 15th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Air Forces-Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 5 (1945)
Home Town: Kenosha County, Wisconsin
ANDERSON, SHERMAN E.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sherman E. Anderson, First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving in aerial action against enemy forces on 18 July 1944. First Lieutenant Anderson's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Air Forces-Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 45 (1944)
ANDERSON, WILLIAM N.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William N. Anderson, Major (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 506th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, Major Anderson flew through heavy enemy fire against impossible odds, and then brought his crew safely back to base without the loss of a single man. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Major Anderson on this occasion, even when confronted with practically certain destruction, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: Ninth U.S. Army Air Force, General Orders No. 90 (1943)
*ANDERSON, WILLIAM T. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to William T. Anderson, Corporal, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with 19th Transportation Squadron, 24th Division, in ground action against enemy forces on 7 December 1941, during the Japanese attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii. While on duty as a radio operator Corporal Anderson voluntarily obtained a sub-machine gun and with utter disregard for his own safety took position in the open field without cover and continued to fire at enemy planes which were bombing and strafing the field, until he was mortally wounded. His unquestionable valor at the cost of his life is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: Hawaiian Department, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 20 (1942)
ANDRES, ARTHUR E.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Arthur E. Andres, Captain (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in the 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces during World War II. Captain Andres' unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 29 (1943)
Home Town: Newton, Massachusetts
APPOLD, NORMAN C.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Norman C. Appold, Major (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 514th Bombardment Squadron, 376th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, Major Appold acquitted himself with great skill as his aircraft flew through one of the most heavily defended areas of Europe. When the plane on which he served was severely damaged he continued on, in the face of almost insurmountable odds. Over the blazing target, Major Appold, with heroic calm and unflinching loyalty, remained steadfast in the cockpit to unload his bombs on the enemy targets, and then returned to his home base without the loss of a single man. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Major Appold on this occasion, even when confronted with practically certain destruction, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: Ninth U.S. Army Air Force, General Orders No. 81 (1943)
Home Town: Detroit, Michigan
ARMSBY, SHERMAN (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sherman Armsby (0-814628), Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 375th Fighter Squadron, 361st Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 20 July 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. On this date Second Lieutenant Armsby shot down THREE enemy aircraft. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 73 (1944)
Home Town: Baltimore, Maryland
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (WWII), Distinguished Flying Cross, 5@ Air Medals, Purple Heart
ARMSTRONG, FRANK A., JR.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Frank A. Armstrong, Jr., Brigadier General (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commander, 97th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while leading his Group in a bombing mission on 5 April 1943, against enemy ground targets in Europe. Brigadier General Armstrong's gallant leadership and unquestionable valor in aerial combat have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 53 (1943)
Born: at Hamilton, North Carolina
ARNOLD, ALTUS L. (MIA-KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Altus L. Arnold (39079424), Private First Class, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 440th Ordnance Company (Aviation), in ground action against enemy forces from 3 to 10 May 1942, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations. Private First Class Arnold's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Headquarters: U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 12 (1946)
Home Town: Benton County, Washington
AROOTH, MICHAEL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Michael Arooth, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Tail gunner in a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the 527th Bombardment Squadron, 379th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 30 July 1943, against enemy ground targets in Germany. On that date, Staff Sergeant Arooth shot down three enemy airplanes and even though the airplane's oxygen line was broken, one gun was jammed, and he was severely wounded, he remained at his post, repaired his gun, resumed fire, and destroyed the fourth plane. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Arooth on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 61 (1943)