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 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)
*DADSON, PAT J. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Pat J. Dadson (17127805), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Gunner on a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 817th Bombardment Squadron, 483d Bombardment Group (H), FIFTEENTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 18 July 1944, against enemy ground targets at Memmigen, Germany. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Dadson on this occasion, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect 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. 104 (1945)
Home Town: Kansas City, Missouri
DAHLBERG, KENNETH H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Kenneth H. Dahlberg (0-733838), 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 P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 353d Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 19 December 1944, over Germany. On that date, Captain Dahlberg was serving as flight commander during an armed reconnaissance mission near Trier, Germany, when a formation of more than ninety enemy fighters was observed. Despite the enemy's vast numerical superiority, Captain Dahlberg led his eight-ship flight in a direct attack upon the hostile force. Although his wingman was forced to break combat, Captain Dahlberg relentlessly attacked the enemy, destroying four of their aircraft and damaging another. The extraordinary heroism and determination of this officer to destroy the enemy are in keeping with 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. 55 (1945)
Born: at St. Paul, Minnesota
Home Town: St. Paul, Minnesota
DALE, JACK D.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Jack D. Dale (0-401140), 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 10 December 1941 in the Southwest Pacific Area. Second Lieutenant Dale'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. 48 (1941)
DALLAS, FREDERICK W., JR.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Frederick W. Dallas, Jr., Captain (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy during an air mission in January 1943, in the North African Theater of Operations. Captain Dallas' 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-North African Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 24 (1943)
*DALTON, MALCOLM C. (MIA-KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Malcolm C. Dalton (36264953), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Gunner on a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 564th Bombardment Squadron, 389th 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, Staff Sergeant Dalton 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, and, despite the fact that gasoline was streaming from one of its damaged fuel tanks, continued on, in the face of almost insurmountable odds. Over the blazing target, Staff Sergeant Dalton, with heroic calm and unflinching loyalty, remained steadfast by his guns. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Dalton on this occasion, at the cost of his life, 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. 89 (1943)
Home Town: Richland County, Wisconsin
DANIELL, J. S.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to J. S. Daniell (0-697008), 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-51 Fighter Airplane in the 505th Fighter Squadron, 339th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 26 November 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. On this date Lieutenant Daniell became an ACE in a day by shooting down five German FW-190s in a single engagement. First Lieutenant Daniell's 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. 29 (1945)
DANVER, EDISON K.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Edison K. Danver, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while participating in an air mission on 17 May 1943, in the European Theater of Operations. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Danver on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 48 (1943)
DAVIES, JOHN HUBERT
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John Hubert Davies, Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commander of a flight of three B-17 Heavy Bombers of the 3d Bombardment Group (H), FAR EAST Air Force, engaged in bombing missions during the period 10 through 14 April 1942, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine islands. Lieutenant Colonel Davies' force participated in a daring four-day mission under the overall command of Brigadier General Ralph Royce, who led a flight of seven B-25Cs and three B-17s from Australia to a staging field at Del Monte on Mindanao in the Philippine Islands. Over the following two days the B-25's and Lieutenant Colonel Davies' B-17's attacked the many ships and the docks at Cebu, the air and harbor facilities at Davao, and Nichols Field on Luzon. The B-25 Mitchell's were involved in over twenty sorties. They sank one Jap transport and possibly two others. They also shot down three Japanese aircraft. All but one of the aircraft returned to Australia without the loss of a single flyer, and they brought out a number of important military and diplomatic personnel who had gathered at Del Monte to await evacuation. The gallant leadership, personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Davies during this period 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: U.S. Army Forces in Australia, General Orders No. 39 (1942)
Home Town: Piedmont, California
DAVIS, CLAYTON E.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Clayton E. Davis (0-666887), 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 P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 487th Fighter Squadron, 352d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 8 May 1944. On this date Captain Curtis shot down three enemy aircraft and assisted downing a fourth. Captain Davis' 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. 44 (1944)
DAVIS, ROBERT R. (MIA-KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert R. Davis (6569665), Private First Class, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 21st Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group, FAR EAST Air Force, in action against enemy forces on 8 December 1941 in the Southwest Pacific Area. Private First Class Davis' unquestionable valor 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. 37 (1942)
Home Town: Spokane, Washington
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (WWII), Air Medal, 2@ Purple Hearts
DAVIS, ROBERT T.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert T. Davis (0-556923), 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 Catalina Aircraft with the 2d Emergency Rescue Squadron (PBY), 5230th Composite Rescue Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces on 8 April 1945, near Tarakan, Borneo. On that date, Lieutenant Davis was dispatched to search for the surviving crew members of a bomber reported down in enemy-held territory. Notified that a dinghy had been sighted near Tarakan Airstrip, he approached the area and as he prepared to land the enemy opened intense anti-aircraft and machine gun fire, seriously injuring two of the crew and damaging his plane and controls. Despite the damage to his aircraft and the continued enemy fire, Lieutenant Davis, taking evasive action, landed on the water under heavy fire and rescued all six survivors of the downed bomber. Still under fire he took off for the nearest base to obtain medical aid for the wounded. The gallantry and courage displayed by Lieutenant Davis in disregarding his own safety to rescue his fellow airmen exemplifies the highest traditions of the armed forces and reflects great credit upon himself, the 13th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 54 (July 16, 1945)
Home Town: Vancouver, B.C., Canada
DAWKINS, CECIL H. (MIA-KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Cecil H. Dawkins, Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy during an air mission on 21 September 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. Second Lieutenant Dawkins' 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. 9 (1945)
DEAL, JAMES F.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James F. Deal, 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 B-17 Heavy Bomber, while participating in a bombing mission on 24 June 1944, against enemy targets in in the European Theater of Operations. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Deal on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 48 (1944)
Home Town: Dayton, Ohio
*DECKER, RICHARD C. (MIA-KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Richard C. Decker (17017220), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Aerial Engineer and Gunner on a B-26 Medium Bomber of the 18th Reconnaissance Squadron, 22d Bombardment Group (M), FAR EAST Air Force (Detached), in aerial action against enemy surface forces on 4 June 1942, during an engagement near Midway Island. Staff Sergeant Decker displayed extraordinary heroism during a torpedo bombing mission against the Japanese Navy. The success of the mission was dependent entirely upon the skill, courageousness and unfaltering devotion to duty of the crew members of the airplanes participating, who unhesitatingly entered into the attack at great personal risk to their own lives in the face of concentrated gunfire of the Japanese Naval forces and fighter planes. During this, the first torpedo attack ever carried out by the Army Air Forces, the airplane on which Staff Sergeant Decker was aerial engineer and gunner, was lost. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Decker on this occasion, at the cost of his life, 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: Hawaiian Department, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 117 (1942)
Home Town: Pottawattamie County, Iowa
DEGENARO, AUGUST V.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to August V. DeGenaro (0-79281), 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-47 Fighter Airplane in the 82d Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 14 July 1943, in the European Theater of Operations. While escorting bombers which attacked an airfield at Amiens, Second Lieutenant DeGenaro destroyed two FW-190s and damaged another. During combat, however, he was severely injured in both hands, his right knee and both ankles. Because of his injuries, he had to fly his Thunderbolt with his forearms. His instruments were shot out, his right aileron was gone, his right wing was badly shot up, and his tail surfaces were damaged. Although barely able to maneuver the plane, he found the English Channel and headed across, ducking into low clouds to evade three pursuing FW-190s which followed him almost to the British coast. He had planned on making a crash landing, but after crossing the coast he discovered his safety belt was unfastened (he had unhooked it in combat) and was unable to fasten it again because of his wounds. Realizing that baling out over land would mean his aircraft would crash into a coastal town, he headed out to sea again, baling out in view of a fishing boat which then rescued him. With great courage Lieutenant DeGenaro risked drowning rather than let his plane crash into a town. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant DeGenaro 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. 58 (1943)
DELLO-BUONO, THOMAS J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Thomas J. Dello-Buono, Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Bombardier on a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 360th Bombardment Squadron, 303d Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 13 April 1944, against enemy ground targets at Schweinfurt, Germany. Before his plane reached the target it was viciously attacked by enemy fighters, and Lieutenant Dello-Buono was seriously injured by a 20-mm. shell which exploded on contact with his flak suit. Despite the seriousness of his wounds, Lieutenant Dello-Buono manned his nose guns until the target was reached, and then dropped his bombs squarely in the group's pattern. He then returned to his guns and, ignoring his pain and the danger of frostbite from the cold air blasting through the nose, refused to leave his post until fighter attacks had ceased and the enemy coast had been passed on the way home. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Dello-Buono 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: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 43 (1944)
Home Town: New York, New York
DENT, ELLIOTT ESTILL, JR.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Elliott Estill Dent, Jr. (0-794924), 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 P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 1 November 1944, in the Southwest Pacific Area. On this date Captain Dent shot down three enemy aircraft in a single engagement. Captain Dent's 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: U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 49 (1945)
Home Town: Birmingham, Alabama
DIEHL, JOHN H., JR.
(First Award)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John H. Diehl, Jr., 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 B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 68th 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, Captain Diehl flew through heavy enemy fire against impossible odds, and despite the death of one of his gunners continued on until he brought his crew safely back to base. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Diehl 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)
DIEHL, JOHN H., JR.
(Second Award)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to John H. Diehl, Jr., 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 B-25 Bomber, while participating in a bombing mission against enemy targets during World War II. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Diehl on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
Personal Awards: 2@ Distinguished Service Crosses (WWII)
DILLMAN, FORREST E.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Forrest E. Dillman, Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Gunner 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. Technical Sergeant Dillman 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. Technical Sergeant Dillman showed admirable skill and determined courage on this voluntary mission, which secured information of great value in subsequent operations. His 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: U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 66 (1943)
*DINN, WALLACE S. (MIA-KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Wallace S. Dinn (0-431949), 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 339th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces from 7 October 1942 through 5 January 1943. During this period Lieutenant Dinn became the first American to capture a Japanese ZERO pilot since the Battle for Guadalcanal. First Lieutenant Dinn'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, the 13th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 97 (1943)
Home Town: Corpus Christi, Texas
DIXON, ROBERT J.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert J. Dixon, Captain (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy during an air mission on 14 February 1945. Captain Dixon'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 in Europe, General Orders No. 134 (1945)
DIXON, ROBERT J.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert J. Dixon, Captain (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy during an air mission on 14 February 1945. Captain Dixon'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 in Europe, General Orders No. 134 (1945)
DOBRENCHUK, GREGORY G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Gregory G. Dobrenchuk, (0388359), 2nd Lieut., B-17 Provisional Squadron, Air Corps, United States Army. For extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flights between Bataan, Luzon, Phillipine Islands, Malang, Den Pasar Java, and Del Monte, Mindanao, Phillipine Islands and Singapore during the period March 10, 1942 to April 29, 1942. Lt. Dobrenchuk, made several trips in an obsolete poorly armed B-17 evacuating personnel and delivering badly needed supplies and medicine as well as attacking enemy naval vessels and warships. These flights were made at night under adverse weather conditions, with no navigational aids, and over territory in possession of the enemy and dominated by enemy air patrols. On his last mission his aircraft was completely destroyed by enemy aerial attack.
*DOHERTY, WILLIAM K. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to William K. Doherty (0-411462), 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-17 Heavy Bomber in the 750th Bombardment Squadron, 457th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 6 February 1945, against enemy targets in in the European Theater of Operations. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Major Doherty 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.
Authority: ABMC
Home Town: Pierce County, Washington
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (WWII), 5@ Air Medals, Purple Heart
DOLK, CARL E.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Carl E. Dolk, First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while during and aerial Photo Reconnaissance mission in July 1944. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Dolk on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 62 (1944)
DONALDSON, I. B. JACK
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to I. B. Jack Donaldson (0-424927), 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 21st Pursuit Squadron, 35th Fighter Group, FAR EAST Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces in February 1942, in the Southwest Pacific Area. Second Lieutenant Donaldson'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: South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 19 (1942)
DONEGAN, JOHN M.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John M. Donegan, First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-25 Heavy Bomber in the 38th Bombardment Group (M), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 18 August 1943, against enemy Japanese targets in the Southwest Pacific Area. On that date, Lieutenant Donegan's bomber was badly damaged in an engagement with the enemy, forcing the crew to abandon it in the air. One of the navigators, upon discovering that his parachute had its cover torn, discarded it and strapped himself to co- pilot John Donegan's chute with two trouser belts. When Lieutenant Donegan's chute deployed, the navigator's weight tore the belts and he fell to his death. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Donegan in his valiant effort to save the life of a comrade 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. 72 (1943)
Home Town: Phoenix, Arizona