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Crew
30 was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for
their participation in a mission against the
Japanese home island of Kyushu on
4 May 1945. The citation reads as follows:
"For extraordinary achievement while participating
in aerial flight over the Japanese home island of Kyushu
4 May 1945. The individuals formed the crew of a B-29
aircraft assigned to a daylight formation strike against
Saeki airfield. Flying as number three in the lead element
of the formation they were already on the bombing run
a malfunction of the formation's leader's instruments
occurred. The leader surrendered the lead immediately
to this crew, and, with only a few minutes remaining before
the bomb release point, they unhestingly moved into the
lead position. Replusing several vicious fighter attackes
during the remainder of the bombing run, they displayed
outstanding skill and percision in setting up the bombing
data for the strike, and led the other B-29's in formation
unwaverlingly to the target. They released their bombs
from an altitude of 18,000 feet and the remaining aircraft
dropped their projectiles at this crew's signal with excellent
results. They then lead the bombers in evasive action
through heavy-caliber enemy flak and returned to safely
to base. The exceptional skill, courage and precision
displayed by these crew members during the critical period
of this operation materially contributed to a mission
which aided in the successful prosecution of the war,
and reflect great credit on themselves and the Army Air
Forces.
First
Lieutenant ARTHUR D. SWANBERG (then Second Lieutenant),
Air Corps, United States Army, as Radar Observer.
Technical
Sergeant RALPH T. GERVAIS (then Sergeant), Air Corps,
United States Army, as Central Fire Control Gunner.
Staff
Sergeant JAMES W. WYCKOFF (then Sergeant), Air Corps,
United States Army, as Blister Gunner.
Sergeant
PASQUALE MASTROMATTEO, Air Corps, United States Army,
as Tail Gunner.
The
above award was per GO 66 dated 17 September 1945.
Per GO 69 dated 29 September 1945 - First Lieutenant
William A. Costa, Navigator and Staff Sergeant James
E. Schwogler, Radio Operator received an "Oak
Cluster" to their DFC* for the Saeki mission.
Sergeant
Robert E. Weiler's name was omitted from GO 66 and
thus did not receive his DFC - however during a
Group reunion Weiler found out that the other members
received the DFC for this mission that he was on.
He contacted his Congressman who submitted documentation
showing he was indeed on the mission. In 1994, Weiler
received his Distinguished Flying Cross - 49
yrs after he flew the mission.
*
per GO 47 section 18 dated 28 August 1945 - For
the Oaska 1 June 1945 mission The Distinguished
Flying Cross was awarded to Costa and Schwoegler
in addition 2nd Lt James J. Frosham, Pilot; T/Sgt
Edward Kanick M. Kanick, Flight Engineer for their
actions [more] Capt William
D. Orr, Airplane Commander received the Distinguished
Service Cross on 1 June mission.
1st
Lt James E. Blake, Bombardier was not listed on
GO 66 or on GO 47. It is unknown what order his
DFC was authorized. Blake is the only member of
the crew that has never been located. |
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