Howard G. Collett

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Howard G. Collett (31144058), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Right Waist Gunner of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 529th Bombardment Squadron, 380th Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force (Attached to RAAF), while participating in a bombing mission on 26 October 1943, against enemy Japanese targets east of Timor in the Southwest Pacific Area. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Collett 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.