AWARD
OF THE DISTINGUISHED-FLYING CROSS--By
direction of the President, under the provisions
of the Act of Congress approved 2 July 1926
(Bull 8, WD, 1926), and pursuant to authority
delegated by Headquarters United States
Army Strategic Air Forces in classified
letter, file 323, subject: "Delineation
of Administrative Responsibilities", dated
16July 1945, announcement is made of, the
award of the Distinguished-Flying Cross
to the following named officers and enlisted
men of the 61st Bombardment Squadron, 39th
Bombardment Group.
For
extraordinary achievement while participating
in aerial flight on 10 May 1945. These individuals
were the bombing team of a B-29 based in the
Marianas Islands on a raid against the enemy
oil refinery and storage area at Otake, on
the island of Honshu, Japan. From the assembly
area until the initial point their aircraft
was under continuous attack from six enemy
fighters, one of which was damaged by their
fire. Observing an intense barrage of heavy
caliber anti aircraft fire at the briefed
initial point, they showed exceptional skill
and judgment in leading their squadron around
the center of flak and into the bombing run.
Although high winds, vastly in excess of the
velocity expected were encounter, this team
plunged through the tremendous volume of continuous
pointed anti-aircraft fire to drop their bombs
with devastating accuracy on the enemy. They
pointed the way for their formation so well
that virtually all the bombs fell was within
1000 feet of the aiming point. By their display
of high courage, leadership and exceptional
airmanship, they carried out an assignment,
which contributed materially to the air war
against Japan, and reflected great credit
on themselves and the Army Air Forces.
First
Lieutenant Frederick Dock, ********, Air Corps,
United States Army, as Navigator.
Captain James L. Gary, ********, Air Corps,
United States Army, as Airplane Commander.
First Lieutenant George M. Bopp, *******,
Air Corps, United States Army, as Bombardier.
First Lieutenant Robert L. Woodard, ********,
Air Corps, United States Army, as Radar Observer.
|