| AWARD
OF THE DISTINGUISHED-FLYING-CROSS (OAK LEFT CLUSTER)--By
direction of the President, under the provisions
of the Act of Congress, approved 2 July 1926 (Bull
8, WD 1926), and persuant to authority delegated
by Headquaters United States Army Strategic Air
Forces in letter, file AG 323; subject: "Ddefinitions
of Administrative Responsibilities", dated
6 August 1945, announcement is made of the award
of the Bronze Oak-Leaf Cluster to the Distinguished-Flying-Cross
to the following named officers and enlisted men
of the 60th Bombardment Squadron, 39th Bombardment
Group.
For
extraordinary achievement while participating in
aerial flight on 28 April 1945. These individuals
were combat crew members of a B-29 aircraft flying
from a base in the Marianas on a decisive strike
against the Kushira airfield, Kyshu, Japan. At the
assembly area, the number three engine became inoperative
because of excessive backfiring. Fully aware that
their reduced power would increase their vulnerability
over the target, they elected to continue on and
attack the objective. Remaining with their group,
they bombed the target with exceptional results.
Observing their cripped condition, enemy fighters
pressed coordinated, agressive strikes, but this
crew courageously repulsed them. On return, a bomb
which had hung up fell free and crashed through
the bomb bay doors. It was necessary to go into
the bomb bay at great risk to manually close the
doors. This was accomplished, and the plane was
returned safely to the base. The courage, skill,
and airmanship demonstrated by these veterans of
repeated assaults against the Japanese homeland
reflect great credit on themselves and the Army
Air Forces.
First
Lieutenant THOMAS A. BELL, Air Corps, United States
Army, as Airplane Commander.
Second
Lieutenant JOSEPH F. CALLAGHAN, Air Corps, United
States Army, as Navigator.
Second
Lieutenant ELMER C. JONES, Air Corps, United States
Army, as Radar Observer.
Master
Sergeant GEORGE W. BEAVER, JR., Air Corps, United
States Army, as Flight Engineer.
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