To
Members of the U.S. Army
EHRKE, JACK O.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Jack O. Ehrke, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
heroism in action during the attack on Hickam Field by Japanese forces
(aircraft) on 7 December 1941. Sergeant Ehrke, on duty as Supply
Sergeant, although severely wounded by flying shrapnel from aerial bombs
during the early part of the attack, continued to perform his duty as
Supply Sergeant and succeeded in distributing many pieces of necessary
paraphernalia, such as steel helmets, rifles, ammunition, etc. After
diligently performing his duties in the supply section, he then
continued to rescue and evacuate wounded men from the attacked area.
Only after his duty had been performed did he report to the hospital for
treatment. Sergeant Ehrke displayed a devotion to duty and a spirit of
self-sacrifice which was an inspiration to the entire command. The
heroism displayed by Sergeant Ehrke on this occasion reflected great
credit upon himself and the military service.
KEISNER, DONALD M.
Synopsis:
The Silver Star is presented to Donald M. Keisner, Captain, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action during the Japanese aerial attack on Oahu,
Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941.
KLATZ, LOWELL V.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Lowell V. Klatz, Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Coast Artillery
Regiment, during the Japanese aerial attack on Oahu, Territory of
Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. While on duty near Wahiawa, Staff Sergeant
Klatz distinguished himself with gallantry in action for bringing down a
Japanese plane with his automatic rifle. He voluntarily and on his own
initiative without regard for his own safety left the shelter of the
Command Post in the face of heavy fire from enemy planes. He coolly
waited in an exposed position until one of the enemy planes approached
within 100 yards and then deliberately aimed automatic rifle fire at one
of the two enemy planes. Firing along with Second Lieutenant Stephen G.
Saltzman, the combined fire caused the enemy plane to crash resulting in
the destruction of the airship and its crew. The cool determination and
disregard for his personal safety displayed was an inspiration to the
members of his regiment.
MISZCZUK, JOSEPH P.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Joseph P. Miszczuk, Private First Class,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 12th Signal
Platoon (AB), during the Japanese air attack on the Island of Oahu,
Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. With disregard for his personal
safety, Private First Class Miszczuk advanced under fire to a position
in the parking lot located between Scott Circle and Atterbury Circle, a
distance of approximately 50 yards, where two men had stopped,
exhausted, while carrying a wounded man to the Station Hospital. Private
First Class Miszczuk then helped the exhausted soldiers to cover of
foliage where the men were concealed from view of the enemy and then
carried the wounded soldier to the hospital, being under steady fire by
enemy machine gunners. The bravery, coolness and good judgment displayed
by Private First Class Miszczuk on this occasion, reflect great credit
upon himself and the military service.
MUCHA, PAUL
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Paul Mucha, Private First Class, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 12th Signal Platoon
(AB) during the Japanese air attack on the Island of Oahu, Territory of
Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. With disregard for his personal safety,
Private First Class Mucha advanced under fire to a position in the
parking lot located between Scott Circle and Atterbury Circle, a
distance of approximately 50 yards, where two men had stopped,
exhausted, while carrying a wounded man to the Station Hospital. Private
First Class Mucha then helped the exhausted soldiers to a cover of
foliage where the men were concealed from view of the enemy and then
carried the wounded soldier to the hospital, being under steady fire by
enemy machine gunners. The bravery, coolness and good judgment displayed
by Private First Class Mucha on this occasion reflect great credit upon
himself and the military service.
SALTZMAN, STEPHEN G.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Stephen G. Saltzman, Second Lieutenant
(Coast Artillery), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with
the Coast Artillery Regiment at Wahiawa, Territory of Hawaii, during the
Japanese aerial attack on 7 December 1941, where he brought down a
Japanese airplane with his automatic rifle. Along with Staff Sergeant
Lowell V. Klatz, Second Lieutenant Saltzman voluntarily and on his own
initiative without regard for his own safety, left the shelter of the
Command Post in the face of heavy fire from enemy planes. He coolly
waited in an exposed position until one of the enemy planes approached
within 100 yards, and then delivered armed automatic rifle fire at one
of the two enemy planes. His fire, combined with that of Sergeant Klatz,
caused the plane to crash, resulting in the destruction of the ship and
crew. The cool determination and disregard for his personal safety
displayed was an inspiration to members of his regiment.
To
Members of the U.S. Army Air Force
ALBINO, ANTHONY A.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Anthony A. Albino, Warrant Officer, U.S.
Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters
Squadron, 18th Air Base Group (R), during the Japanese air attack on the
Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Mr. Albino,
then a Technical Sergeant, with disregard for his personal safety,
volunteered to take the private automobile of an officer and secure
additional ammunition for machine guns, which were set up on the rear
porches of the Air Base Barracks. Permission to do this was granted and
he twice drove to the Ordnance Warehouse at Wheeler Field, each trip
requiring approximately one-quarter of an hour, and returned with
sufficient boxes of ammunition to enable the machine gunners to continue
the operation of their guns and to throw up a heavy curtain of fire. The
area through which he drove was under exceptionally heavy fire from
enemy planes. The action of Mr. Albino was an exceptionally meritorious
one and was far beyond the normal call of duty, and his voluntary
performance of this detail, his initiative, presence of mind, and
coolness under fire reflect great credit upon himself and the military
service.
*AVERY, ROBERT L.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Robert L. Avery, Private First Class,
U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 11th Bombardment Group (N),
during the Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii,
on 7 December 1941. Private First Class Avery, for conspicuous bravery
during the attack, assisted in putting a machine gun in action and later
operated one of the guns. In the latter part of the attack, Private
First Class Avery was killed.
BISHOP, SAMUEL W.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Samuel W. Bishop, First Lieutenant, U.S.
Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 44th
Pursuit Squadron, 18th Pursuit Group, at Bellows Field and over the
Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on 7
December 1941. When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese Forces
on Bellows Field and the vicinity, and while under fire, First
Lieutenant Bishop attempted to take off to engage the enemy, and in so
doing was wounded and his plane so badly damaged that he was forced to
make a crash landing in the waters nearby, and though wounded managed to
swim ashore. Lieutenant Bishop's initiative, presence of mind, coolness
under fire against overwhelming odds in his first battle, and determined
action contributed to a large extent toward driving off this sudden
enemy air attack.
BLAKE, GORDON A.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Gordon A. Blake, Lieutenant Colonel,
U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action at Hickam Field during the
Japanese attack on the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, on 7
December 1941. Lieutenant Colonel Blake remained in the Field control
tower during the worst of the bombardment and calmly directed the safe
landing of Flying Fortresses arriving from the Mainland.
*BROWN, HARRY M.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Harry M. Brown, Second Lieutenant, U.S.
Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 47th
Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, at Wheeler Field and over the
Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on 7
December 1941. When a surprise attack was launched by a large number of
Japanese airplanes on Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii, and the
vicinity thereto, Second Lieutenant Brown immediately proceeded by
automobile to the Haleiwa Landing Field, a distance of approximately ten
miles, where the planes of his squadron were located. The trip was made
under heavy enemy fire. Upon arrival at Haleiwa Landing Field, he took
off with an airplane for the purpose of attacking the enemy forces,
without first obtaining information as to the number or type of planes
in the attacking forces. He engaged an enemy aircraft and carried on
combat until the enemy made his escape in a cloud formation. Shortly
after this encounter, he flew over Kaene Point where two of the hostile
forces pursued a friendly aircraft in battle. Lieutenant Brown
immediately attacked, shooting one of the enemy down and aiding in
driving off the other. Lieutenant Brown's expertness in battle during
this engagement was instrumental in saving the life of the pilot in the
friendly aircraft. Again, after being joined by another of the friendly
forces, Lieutenant Brown attacked a hostile aircraft and continued to
fire upon it until his ammunition ran out. The enemy aircraft was last
seen by him heading out to sea in evident distress. Lieutenant Brown's
initiative, presence of mind, coolness under fire, expert maneuvering of
his plane, and determined action contributed to a large extent toward
driving off the sudden and unexpected enemy air attack of 7 December
1941.
BURT, WILLIAM B.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to William B Burt, Sergeant, U.S. Army Air
Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 86th Observation
Squadron during the Japanese air attack at Bellows Field, Territory of
Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Sergeant (then Private) Burt, without prior
training in the gunner's cockpit of an C-473 type observation airplane,
sustained fire being delivered by diving flying enemy aircraft. His
position was precarious due to the quality of enemy fire. However,
Private Burt remained in his post until the conclusion of the raid.
CARR, REUBEN A.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Reuben A. Carr, Sergeant, U.S. Army Air
Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 22d Material
Squadron, during the Japanese air attack on the Island of Oahu,
Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. With disregard for his personal
safety, Sergeant Carr volunteered to man a machine gun whose crew had
been killed. Sergeant Carr then immediately set forth under continued
fire to the dismantled gun, putting it in action, and continued to
deliver an effective, accurate fire upon the Japanese aircraft
throughout the entire raid. The bravery, coolness and good judgment
displayed by Sergeant Carr on this occasion, reflects great credit upon
himself and the military service.
*CHAPMAN, DONALD V.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Donald V. Chapman, Corporal, U.S. Army
Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters and
Headquarters Squadron, 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), during the
Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7
December 1941. Corporal Chapman, conspicuous for his bravery under fire,
assisted in repair of an airplane during the severe attack of bombing
and strafing centered on the hangars. Corporal Chapman was killed in
this attack.
*DAINS, JOHN L.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to John L. Dains, Second Lieutenant, U.S.
Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 47th
Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, at Haleiwa Field and over the
Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. When the
American forces on Oahu were surprised by a heavy attack launched by
Japanese forces, Lieutenant Dains took off to combat the enemy in a F-40
type airplane without advance information regarding the strength,
disposition or type of enemy aircraft. Lieutenant Dains flew three
missions on the morning of 7 December 1941, a total of approximately two
and one- half hours. The first two missions were flown in a P-40 type
airplane, and the third mission in a P-36 type airplane. He was killed
in action during the third mission. Lieutenant Dains' undaunted courage
and determined action contributed to a large extent toward driving off
the sudden enemy air attack.
DRIER, ELMER L.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Elmer L. Drier, Master Sergeant, U.S.
Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 23d
Bombardment Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (H), during the Japanese
aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941.
Master Sergeant Drier, conspicuous for bravery, was present at the
hangar throughout the entire raid, assisting in salvaging of airplane
parts. Master Sergeant Drier's actins during the attack helped to save
large numbers of airplanes from destruction by fire.
FAY, CHARLES A.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Charles A. Fay, Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 72d
Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, at Wheeler Field, Island of Oahu,
Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. When surprised by a heavy air
attack by Japanese forces on Wheeler Field and vicinity at approximately
8 a.m., Staff Sergeant Fay, with utter disregard for his personal safety
proceeded to the hangar line and taxied aircraft out of the burning
hangars. He was under constant enemy fire, and though twice hit by
machine gun bullets, he continued with his task until completed. His
initiative, presence of mind, coolness under fire, and determined action
contributed to a large extent toward driving off this sudden, unexpected
enemy air attack. The heroism displayed by Staff Sergeant Fay on this
occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
FINN, EDWARD
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Edward Finn, Corporal, U.S. Army Air
Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 42d Bombardment
Squadron, 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), during the Japanese aerial
attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941.
Corporal Finn, having no previous instruction in the mechanism of
machine guns, secured and mounted a .50 caliber machine gun, and
delivered effective fire upon the enemy.
*FOX, JACK W.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Jack W. Fox, Corporal, U.S. Army Air
Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 31st Bombardment
Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), during the Japanese aerial
attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941.
Corporal Fox, conspicuous for his bravery and coolness, caused the lives
of a large group of men to be saved by ordering the men from unprotected
areas to the shelter of the barracks, only a few seconds before the area
was bombed and strafed by enemy aircraft. During the second attack,
Corporal Fox, seeing a machine gun jam, started to the aid of the crew
to reduce the jam. At this time a heavy attack of strafing and bombing
centered on this area. A fragmentation bomb exploded near Corporal Fox;
he was killed instantly.
HAESSLY, ROBERT J.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Robert J. Haessly, Sergeant, U.S. Army
Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 22d Material
Squadron during the Japanese air attack on the Island of Oahu, Territory
of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. With disregard for his personal safety,
Sergeant Haessly volunteered to man a .50 caliber machine gun whose crew
had been killed and the gun itself damaged. Sergeant Haessly succeeded
in putting the gun back in action and continued to operate the gun
against enemy aircraft. The bravery, coolness and good judgment
displayed by Sergeant Haessly on this occasion reflects great credit
upon himself and the military service.
HALLOR, FREDERICK C.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Frederick C. Hallor, Captain (Air
Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for heroism in action during the attack on
Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, by Japanese forces (aircraft) on 7
December 1941. Captain Hallor, in addition to being Commanding Officer
of the 22d Material Squadron, Air Corps, assumed command of the 23d
Material Squadron, Air Corps, in the absence of its Commanding Officer.
Captain Hallor displayed marked heroism in coordinating the activities
of these two squadrons so that a maximum of fire power was gained, and
casualties were held to a minimum. Captain Hallor acted with complete
disregard for his own personal safety while under fire throughout the
attack. In addition, Captain Hallor gave valuable assistance to an
Aviation Cadet who had been wounded in obtaining medical attention.
Captain Hallor showed unusual courage and bravery throughout the entire
bombardment and proved himself a capable Commander in every respect. The
heroism displayed by Captain Hallor on this occasion reflected great
credit upon himself and the military service.
HOWE, SIDNEY C.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Sidney C. Howe, Technical Sergeant, U.S.
Army Air Force, for heroism in action while serving with the 19th
Transport Squadron during the attack on Hickam Field, Territory of
Hawaii, by Japanese forces (aircraft) on 7 December 1941. Technical
Sergeant Howe, with utter disregard for his personal safety, in the face
of overwhelming enemy aerial machine gunnery and aerial bombardment,
returned the enemy fire with heroism until severely wounded by fragments
of an exploding bomb, resulting in the loss of his left arm. The heroism
displayed by Technical Sergeant Howe reflected great credit upon himself
and the military service.
HUNT, WILBUR K.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Wilbur K. Hunt, Technical Sergeant, U.S.
Army Air Force, for heroism in action while serving with the 22d
Material Squadron during the attack on Hickam Field, Territory of
Hawaii, by Japanese forces (aircraft) on 7 December 1941. Technical
Sergeant Hunt performed exceptionally meritorious service and displayed
outstanding bravery in assisting the Squadron Commander of the 22d
Material Squadron in dispersing the squadron under fire and bombardment
to positions of vantage to deliver return fire and to secure adequate
cover and safety, thus contributing in reducing the number of battle
casualties. The heroism displayed by Technical Sergeant Hunt on this
occasion reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.
JESEK, RAYMOND F.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Raymond F. Jesek, Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 7th
Bomber Command, during the attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii,
by Japanese forces (aircraft) on 7 December 1941. Staff Sergeant Jesek,
though already wounded, proceeded to drive an ambulance through strafing
and bombing, picking up wounded and taking them to the hospital.
LANDON, TRUMAN H.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Truman H. Landon, Major, U.S. Army Air
Force, for gallantry in action, conspicuous bravery, coolness and expert
handling of his airplane while serving with the 18th Reconnaissance
Squadron (Heavy), during the Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field,
Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Major Landon, Echelon Commander
on a flight from Hamilton Field, California, after an all-night flight
and with only a small quantity of gasoline remaining which necessitated
an early landing, arrived in the vicinity of Hickam Field during the
Japanese attack and was subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire and was
attacked by Japanese aircraft. Major Landon's flight was unarmed and
unprepared for an attack and rather than risk damaging the aircraft
under his control by landing in an inadequate, although protected field,
brought about the safe landing of his flight through his skill, coolness
and daring under fire.
MCBRIARITY, RAYMOND
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Raymond McBriarity, Private First Class,
U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 86th
Observation Squadron, during the Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field,
Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Private First Class McBriarity
proceeded under fire to obtain and mount in his assigned airplane a
machine gun which he then manned to deliver fire against the enemy. With
complete disregard for his personal safety and during overwhelming
machine gun fire of the enemy, he remained at his station until the
conclusion of the raid.
MCNEILL, HENRY P., JR.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Henry P. McNeill, Sergeant, U.S. Army
Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 31st
Bombardment Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), during the Japanese
aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941.
Sergeant McNeill organized a fire fighting crew during the strafing and
succeeded in extinguishing fires on two planes and saving valuable
equipment of the third. He then took a tug and towed the two planes to
dispersed positions. Again he was subjected to extremely heavy strafing.
*MEAGHER, DONALD C.
Synopsis:
The Silver Star is presented to Donald C. Meagher, Corporal, U.S. Army
Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving during the Japanese
aerial attack on Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Corporal
Meagher dispersed one of the attacking Japanese planes with the front
guns of a grounded American airplane. He was killed when his plane was
struck by an exploding shell.
MEEHAN, JOHN J.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to John J. Meehan, Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 4th
Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), during the
Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7
December 1941. Staff Sergeant Meehan was wounded during the attack but
refused to disclose he was wounded until after he had dispersed the
planes, which at the time of the attack were in hangers, subjected to
strafing and bombing.
*MERITHEN, WILLIAM W.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to William W. Merithen, Private First
Class, U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy),
during the Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii,
on 7 December 1941. Private First Class Merithen, conspicuous for his
bravery, assisted in the repair of airplanes during a severe attack of
bombing and strafing centered on the hangars. Private First Class
Merithen was killed in this attack.
MIDDAUGH, CHARLES R.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Charles R. Middaugh, Staff Sergeant,
U.S. Army Air Force, for heroism in action while serving with the 18th
Air Base Squadron, during the attack on Hickam Field by Japanese forces
(aircraft) on 7 December 1941. Staff Sergeant Middaugh was a gunner on a
.30 caliber machine gun during the second raid on Hickam Field. As a
Japanese plane headed straight for his gun position, Staff Sergeant
Middaugh took the plane under fire. Staff Sergeant Middaugh knew he was
making direct hits through the use of tracer bullets. Smoke trailed from
the plane which banked over Pearl Harbor and flew toward Barbers Point,
appearing to be out of control. The heroism, devotion to duty and spirit
of self-sacrifice displayed by Staff Sergeant Middaugh on this occasion
reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.
MOORE, MALCOM A.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Malcom A. Moore, First Lieutenant (Air
Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with
the 46th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, at Wheeler Field and over
the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on
7 December 1941. When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese forces
on Wheeler Field and vicinity at approximately 8 a.m., First Lieutenant
Moore proceeded by automobile, under heavy fire, to the hangar line
where he assisted in extinguishing a fire in the hangar, thereby saving
aircraft and ammunition. While the aircraft was being loaded with
ammunition he was continuously under enemy fire of both cannon and
machine guns. As soon as his guns were loaded he immediately took off
for the purpose of attacking the invading forces, without first
obtaining information as to the number or type of Japanese in the
attacking force, and proceeded to a position over Kaena Point where he
encountered an enemy aircraft which he immediately attacked and made a
number of direct hits. Due to a heavy cloud formation the enemy aircraft
managed to make his escape. Unable to locate any other enemy craft he
returned to Wheeler Field. First Lieutenant Moore's initiative, presence
of mind, coolness under fire, expert maneuvering of his plane, and
determined action contributed to a large extent toward driving off this
sudden, unexpected enemy air attack.
NABORS, BONNIE V.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Bonnie V. Nabors, Technical Sergeant,
U.S. Army Air Force, for heroism in action while serving with the 19th
Transport Squadron, during the attack on Hickam Field, Territory of
Hawaii, by Japanese forces (aircraft) on 7 December 1941. Technical
Sergeant Nabors proceeded to Hangar No. 17 where the squadron's planes
were parked. The adjacent hangar, No. 15, had already been severely
bombed. A plane close by had been hit and was burning rapidly and its
proximity to the transport planes greatly endangered them. Noting this
danger, Sergeant Nabors assisted the crew of one of the planes in
rolling it back from the hangar a short distance. Although under fire by
the enemy, Sergeant Nabors climbed into the plane, opened the escape
hatch, and from this position assisted the pilot in taxiing the plane
through debris and dense smoke to a position of comparative safety.
Sergeant Nabors displayed quick thinking, bravery, coolness and a great
devotion to duty by his action and was an inspiration to those who
observed these acts. The heroism displayed by Technical Sergeant Nabors
on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military
service.
NEIS, FRANCIS R.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Francis R. Neis, Corporal, U.S. Army Air
Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 31st Bombardment
Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), during the Japanese aerial
attack on Hickam Field, territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941.
Corporal Neis, conspicuous for his bravery, with disregard for his own
safety during the strafing by Japanese planes went to the aid of a
wounded soldier some distance from the hangar and while returning the
wounded man to the hangar was strafed by machine gun fire. Corporal Neis
was hurt in the strafing, the wounded man was killed. Corporal Neis
returned to the field to aid another wounded man. He was again subjected
to strafing but brought this man to safety in the hangar.
PETRAKOS, CHARLES
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Charles Petrakos, Sergeant, U.S. Army
Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 4th
Reconnaissance Squadron (N), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), during the
Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7
December 1941. Sergeant Petrakos was in the plane loading bombs when the
attack started. He immediately volunteered his services as gunner and
manned one of the guns on the plane and disabled another.
PHILLIPS, CLAUDE B.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Claude B. Phillips, Technical Sergeant,
U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 4th
Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), during the
Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7
December 1941. Technical Sergeant Phillips was helping load bombs in the
plane when the bombing and strafing started. He immediately manned one
of the machine guns in the plane and returned effective fire on the
enemy aircraft. During the second raid, Sergeant Phillips shot down one
plane and disabled another.
RASMUSSEN, PHILIP M.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Philip M. Rasmussen, Second Lieutenant
(Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action as a Pilot of
the 46th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, at Wheeler Field and over
the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on
7 December 1941. When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese forces
on Wheeler Field and vicinity, Second Lieutenant Rasmussen took off for
the purpose of attacking the invading forces, without first obtaining
information as to the number or type of Japanese in the attacking force,
and proceeded to patrol in the vicinity of Bellows Field, where he
encountered six enemy aircraft. Though outnumbered with only three other
aircraft in the flight he immediately attacked the enemy formation and
shot one down in flames. He returned his plane safely to Wheeler Field
although it had been damaged by enemy machine gun and cannon fire during
the encounter. Lieutenant Rasmussen's presence of mind, coolness under
fire against overwhelming odds in his first battle, expert maneuvering
of his plane, and determined action contributed to a large extent toward
driving off this sudden enemy air attack.
ROGERS, ROBERT J.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Robert J. Rogers, First Lieutenant (Air
Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action as a Pilot of the
47th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, over the Island of Oahu,
Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on 7 December 1941.
When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese forces on Wheeler Field
and vicinity at approximately 8 a.m., First Lieutenant Rogers proceeded
by automobile to Haleiwa Landing Field, a distance of approximately ten
miles, where the planes of his squadron were stationed. As soon as his
plane had been serviced he immediately took off for the purpose of
attacking the invading forces, without first obtaining information as to
the number or type of Japanese in the attacking force, and proceeded to
patrol in the vicinity of Haleiwa, where he encountered an enemy
aircraft which he immediately attacked, and when last seen by him it was
disappearing into a cloud bank streaming black smoke. After this
encounter, he and one other pursuit ship attacked two enemy aircraft in
the vicinity of Kaena Point. While engaged in this combat his plane was
hit by enemy fire. After this encounter he returned to Haleiwa and
landed. First Lieutenant Rogers' initiative, presence of mind, and
coolness under fire and expert maneuvering of his plane, and determined
action contributed to a large extent toward driving off this sudden,
unexpected enemy air attack.
SANDERS, LEWIS M.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Lewis M. Sanders, First Lieutenant (Air
Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving as a
Pilot with the 46th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, at Wheeler
Field and over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters
adjacent thereto, on 7 December 1941. During the surprise attack by
Japanese forces on 7 December 1941, First Lieutenant Sanders took off
with one flight for the purpose of attacking the invading forces,
without first securing information as to the number or type of attacking
Japanese aircraft. He proceeded to patrol the vicinity of Bellows Field,
where he engaged six enemy planes. Although greatly outnumbered he
succeeded in shooting down one enemy aircraft. First Lieutenant Sanders'
initiative, presence of mind, coolness under fire, and expert
maneuvering of his plane, contributed to a large extent toward driving
off this sudden, unexpected enemy air attack.
SHEFFIELD, WILLIAM E.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to William E. Shefield, Master Sergeant,
U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the
234th Bombardment Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), during the
Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7
December 1941. Master Sergeant Sheffield was conspicuous for his actions
in the efforts to save several airplanes from destruction by fire.
*SMITH, HARRY K.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Harry K. Smith, Private, U.S. Army Air
Force, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters and
Headquarters Squadron, 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), during the
Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7
December 1941. Private Smith, conspicuous for bravery and courage,
assisted in the repair of airplanes during the severe attacks of bombing
and strafing centered on the hangers. Private Smith was killed in this
attack.
SMITH, ROBERT D.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Robert D. Smith, Corporal, U.S. Army Air
Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 31st Bombardment
Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), during the Japanese aerial
attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941.
Corporal Smith assisted in extinguishing two planes set afire by
strafing and bombing, and saving valuable equipment from the third.
After extinguishing the fires, Corporal Smith assisted in towing two
airplanes to dispersed positions under extreme heavy strafing and
bombing.
STODDARD, LOREN A.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Loren A. Stoddard, Second Lieutenant
(Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for heroism in action during the
attack on Hickam Field by Japanese forces (aircraft) on 7 December 1941.
Second Lieutenant Stoddard, a Pilot in the 19th Transport Squadron,
proceeded to Hanger No. 17, where the squadron's planes were parked. The
adjacent hangar, No. 15, had already been severely bombed. A plane close
by had been hit and was burning rapidly and its proximity to the
transport planes greatly endangered them. Noting this danger Lieutenant
Stoddard, on his own initiative and without orders, started the motors
of one of the planes after the crew had rolled it back from the hangar a
short distance. Although under fire by the enemy, Lieutenant Stoddard,
with a crew member observing for him through the escape hatch, taxied
the plane through debris and smoke to a relatively safe position on the
field away from the hangars. Lieutenant Stoddard displayed fast
thinking, bravery, coolness and a great devotion to duty by his action
and was an inspiration to all who saw him. The heroism displayed by
Lieutenant Stoddard on this occasion reflected great credit upon himself
and the military service.
THACKER, JOHN M.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to John M. Thacker, Second Lieutenant (Air
Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action as a Pilot of the
46th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, over the Island of Oahu,
Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on 7 December 1941.
When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese forces on Wheeler Field
and vicinity at approximately 8 a.m., Second Lieutenant Thacker
proceeded by automobile to the hangar line where he joined a flight of
pursuit aircraft which took off from Wheeler Field for the purpose of
attacking the invading forces, without first obtaining information as to
the number or type of Japanese in the attacking forces. The flight
encountered an enemy formation of six aircraft in the vicinity of
Bellows Field, and though the enemy force was numerically superior,
Lieutenant Thacker and other members of the flight immediately attacked
the enemy formation. He remained in the attack until after his guns
became jammed. Lieutenant Thacker returned his plane safely to Wheeler
Field though it had been hit by cannon fire during the encounter.
Lieutenant Thacker's initiative, presence of mind, coolness under fire
against overwhelming odds in this first battle, expert maneuvering of
his plane, and determined action contributed to a large extent toward
driving off this sudden enemy air attack.
TORTORA, BARNARDINA Q.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Barnardina Q. Tortora, Staff Sergeant,
U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 23d
Bombardment Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group, during the Japanese aerial
attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941.
Sergeant Tortora, conspicuous for his bravery, taxied a B-18 across the
runway while under heavy enemy bombing and aircraft fire to a safe
dispersed position.
*VERNICK, EDWARD F.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Edward F. Vernick, Private First Class,
U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy),
during the Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii,
on 7 December 1941. Private First Class Vernick, conspicuous for his
bravery, assisted in repairing an airplane during the severe attack of
bombing and strafing of the hangars. Private First Class Vernick was
killed in this attack.
WEBSTER, JOHN J.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to John J. Webster, First Lieutenant (Air
Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving as a
Pilot of the 47th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, at Wheeler Field
and over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent
thereto, on 7 December 1941. When surprised by a heavy air attack by
Japanese forces on Wheeler Field and vicinity approximately 8 a.m.,
First Lieutenant Webster obtained a Garand rifle and ammunition and kept
up a continuous fire until all enemy aircraft had disappeared. He then
proceeded by automobile to Haleiwa Landing Field, a distance of
approximately ten miles, where the planes of his squadron were
stationed. He took off for the purpose of attacking the invading forces,
without first obtaining information as to the number or type of Japanese
in the attacking forces, and proceeded to patrol in the vicinity of
Haleiwa, then toward Kaena Point, where he encountered two enemy
aircraft. Though outnumbered he immediately attacked the enemy formation
and continued to engage them until after his controls were damaged and
he had received a leg wound from enemy machine gun fire. He then
returned his plane safely to the field. First Lieutenant Webster's
initiative, presence of mind, coolness under fire against overwhelming
odds in his first battle, expert maneuvering of his plane, and
determined action contributed to a large extent toward driving off this
sudden, unexpected enemy air attack.
*WHITEMAN, GEORGE A.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to George A. Whiteman, Second Lieutenant
(Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving
as a Pilot of the 44th Pursuit Squadron, 18th Pursuit Group, at Bellows
Field, Island of Oahu, territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. When
surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese Forces on Bellows Field and
vicinity and while under fire, Second Lieutenant Whiteman attempted to
take off to engage the enemy, and while so doing was shot down in flames
by enemy aircraft.
YOUNG, CHARLES H.
Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Charles H. Young, Corporal, U.S. Army
Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 42d
Bombardment Squadron, 18th Pursuit Group, during the Japanese aerial
attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941.
Corporal Young was helping load bombs in the plane when the bombing and
strafing started. He immediately manned one of the machine guns in the
plane and returned effective fire on the enemy aircraft. During the
second raid, Corporal Young shot down one plane and disabled another.
