U.S. Air Force
Medal of Honor Awards
17 Awards
Korean War / 4Vietnam War / 13
Compiled and Edited
By
C. Douglas Sterner
- 10 -
U.S. Air Force
Awards Of The
Medal of Honor
Compiled & Edited
By
C. Douglas Sterner
Copyright © 2006 by HomeOfHeroes.com
All Rights Reserved
- 10 -
Table of Contents & Index of Recipients
- 10 -
Korean War 2
*Davis, George Andrew, Jr. 2
*Loring, Charles Joseph 2
*Sebille, Louis Joseph 3
*Walmsley, John Springer 3
Vietnam War 4
*Bennett, Steven Logan 4
Day, George Everett "Bud" (POW) 4
Dethlefsen, Merlyn Hans 5
Fisher, Bernard Francis 5
Fleming, James Phillip 6
Jackson, Joe Madison 6
*Jones, William Atkinson 7
Levitow, John Lee 7
*Pitsenbarger, William H. 8
*Sijan, Lance Peter (POW) 8
Thorsness, Leo Keith (POW) 9
*Wilbanks, Hilliard Almond 9
Young, Gerald Orren 10
Recipients by Home Town 11
- 10 -
U.S. Air Force Recipients of the Medal of Honor Korean War
Korean War
*Davis, George Andrew, Jr.
Major, U.S. Air Force
334th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Wing, 5th Air Force
Date of Action: February 10, 1952
Citation:
The Medal of Honor is presented to George Andrew Davis, Jr., Major, U.S. Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 334th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Wing, Fifth Air Force in action near Sinuiju-Yalu River, Korea. While leading a flight of four F-86 Saberjets on a combat aerial patrol mission near the Manchurian border, Major Davis' element leader ran out of oxygen and was forced to retire from the flight with his wingman accompanying him. Major Davis and the remaining F-86's continued the mission and sighted a formation of approximately twelve enemy MIG-15 aircraft speeding southward toward an area where friendly fighter-bombers were conducting low level operations against the Communist lines of communications. With selfless disregard for the numerical superiority of the enemy, Major Davis positioned his two aircraft, then dove at the MIG formation. While speeding through the formation from the rear he singled out a MIG-15 and destroyed it with a concentrated burst of fire. Although he was now under continuous fire from the enemy fighters to his rear, Major Davis sustained his attack. He fired at another MIG-15 which, bursting into smoke and flames, went into a vertical dive. Rather than maintain his superior speed and evade the enemy fire being concentrated on him, he elected to reduce his speed and sought out still a third MIG-15. During this latest attack his aircraft sustained a direct hit, went out of control, then crashed into a mountain 30 miles south of the Yalu River. Major Davis' bold attack completely disrupted the enemy formation, permitting the friendly fighter-bombers to successfully complete their interdiction mission. Major Davis, by his indomitable fighting spirit, heroic aggressiveness, and superb courage in engaging the enemy against formidable odds exemplified valor at its highest.
Born: 12/1/1920 at Dublin, Texas
Home Town: Lubbock, Texas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Korea)
After flying with Neel Kearby in World War II, George Davis flew combat during the Korean War. On November 30, 1951, he became the fifth JET ace by downing three Tu-2 bombers and a MiG-15 in a single sortie.
*Loring, Charles Joseph
Major, U.S. Air Force
80th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Wing, 5th Air Force
Date of Action: November 22, 1952
Citation:
The Medal of Honor is presented to Charles Joseph Loring, Major, U.S. Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 80th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Wing, Fifth Air Force in aerial combat at Sniper Ridge, North Korea. While leading a flight of four F-80 type aircraft on a close support mission, Major Loring was briefed by a controller to dive-bomb enemy gun positions which were harassing friendly ground troops. After verifying the location of the target, Major Loring rolled into his dive bomb run. Throughout the run, extremely accurate ground fire was directed on his aircraft. Disregarding the accuracy and intensity of the ground fire, Major Loring aggressively continued to press the attack until his aircraft was hit. At approximately 4,000 feet, he deliberately altered his course and aimed his diving aircraft at active gun emplacements concentrated on a ridge northwest of the briefed target, turned his aircraft 45 degrees to the left, pulled up in a deliberate, controlled maneuver, and elected to sacrifice his life by diving his aircraft directly into the midst of the enemy emplacements. His selfless and heroic action completely destroyed the enemy gun emplacement and eliminated a dangerous threat to United Nations ground forces. Major Loring's noble spirit, superlative courage, and conspicuous self-sacrifice in inflicting maximum damage on the enemy exemplified valor of the highest degree and his actions were in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Air Force.
Born: 10/2/1918 at Portland, Maine
Home Town: Portland, Maine
*Sebille, Louis Joseph
Major, U.S. Air Force
67th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing, 5th Air Force
Date of Action: August 05, 1950
Citation:
The Medal of Honor is presented to Louis Joseph Sebille, Major, U.S. Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 67th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing, Fifth Air Force in action near Hanchang, Korea. During an attack on a camouflaged area containing a concentration of enemy troops, artillery, and armored vehicles, Major Sebille's F-51 aircraft was severely damaged by antiaircraft fire. Although fully cognizant of the short period he could remain airborne, he deliberately ignored the possibility of survival by abandoning the aircraft or by crash landing, and continued his attack against the enemy forces threatening the security of friendly ground troops. In his determination to inflict maximum damage upon the enemy, Major Sebille again exposed himself to the intense fire of enemy gun batteries and dived on the target to his death. The superior leadership, daring, and selfless devotion to duty which he displayed in the execution of an extremely dangerous mission were an inspiration to both his subordinates and superiors and reflect the highest credit upon himself, the U.S. Air Force, and the armed forces of the United Nations.
Born: 11/21/1915 at Harbor Beach, Michigan
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois
*Walmsley, John Springer
Captain, U.S. Air Force
8th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bombardment Wing, 5th Air Force
Date of Action: September 14, 1951
Citation:
The Medal of Honor is presented to John Springer Walmsley, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty serving with the 8th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bombardment Wing, Fifth Air Force in action over Yangdok, Korea. While flying a B-26 aircraft on a night combat mission with the objective of developing new tactics, Captain Walmsley sighted an enemy supply train which had been assigned top priority as a target of opportunity. He immediately attacked, producing a strike which disabled the train, and, when his ammunition was expended, radioed for friendly aircraft in the area to complete destruction of the target. Employing the searchlight mounted on his aircraft, he guided another B-26 aircraft to the target area, meanwhile constantly exposing himself to enemy fire. Directing an incoming B-26 pilot, he twice boldly aligned himself with the target, his searchlight illuminating the area, in a determined effort to give the attacking aircraft full visibility. As the friendly aircraft prepared for the attack, Captain Walmsley descended into the valley in a low level run over the target with searchlight blazing, selflessly exposing himself to vicious enemy antiaircraft fire. In his determination to inflict maximum damage on the enemy, he refused to employ evasive tactics and valiantly pressed forward straight through an intense barrage, thus insuring complete destruction of the enemy's vitally needed war cargo. While he courageously pressed his attack Captain Walmsley's plane was hit and crashed into the surrounding mountains, exploding upon impact. His heroic initiative and daring aggressiveness in completing this important mission in the face of overwhelming opposition and at the risk of his life, reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Air Force.
Born: 1/7/1920 at Baltimore, Maryland
Home Town: Baltimore, Maryland
- 10 -
U.S. Air Force Recipients of the Medal of Honor Vietnam War
Vietnam War
*Bennett, Steven Logan
Captain, U.S. Air Force
20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, 56th Special Operations Wing, Udorn Air Royal Thai Air Base
Date of Action: June 29, 1972
Citation:
The Medal of Honor is presented to Steven Logan Bennett, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, 56th Special Operations Wing, in action over Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 29 June 1972. Captain Bennett was the pilot of a light aircraft flying an artillery adjustment mission along a heavily defended segment of route structure. A large concentration of enemy troops was massing for an attack on a friendly unit. Captain Bennett requested tactical air support but was advised that none was available. He also requested artillery support but this too was denied due to the close proximity of friendly troops to the target. Captain Bennett was determined to aid the endangered unit and elected to strafe the hostile positions. After four such passes, the enemy force began to retreat. Captain Bennett continued the attack, but, as he completed his fifth strafing pass, his aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile, which severely damaged the left engine and the left main landing gear. As fire spread in the left engine, Captain Bennett realized that recovery at a friendly airfield was impossible. He instructed his observer to prepare for an ejection, but was informed by the observer that his parachute had been shredded by the force of the impacting missile. Although Captain Bennett had a good parachute, he knew that if he ejected, the observer would have no chance of survival. With complete disregard for his own life, Captain Bennett elected to ditch the aircraft into the Gulf of Tonkin, even though he realized that a pilot of this type aircraft had never survived a ditching. The ensuing impact upon the water caused the aircraft to cartwheel and severely damaged the front cockpit, making escape for Captain Bennett impossible. The observer successfully made his way out of the aircraft and was rescued. Captain Bennett's unparalleled concern for his companion, extraordinary heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Air Force.
GB-1007, September 6, 1974
Born: 4/22/1946 at Palestine, Texas
Home Town: Lafayette, Louisiana
Day, George Everett "Bud" (POW)
Colonel, U.S. Air Force
Misty Super FAC's F-100 Squadron, Phu Cat Air Base, Vietnam
Date of Action: August 26, 1967
Citation:
The Medal of Honor is presented to George Everett "Bud" Day, Colonel, U.S. Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty a Pilot of Misty Super FAC's F-100 Squadron, held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. On 26 August 1967, Colonel Day was forced to eject from his aircraft over North Vietnam when it was hit by ground fire. His right arm was broken in three places, and his left knee was badly sprained. He was immediately captured by hostile forces and taken to a prison camp where he was interrogated and severely tortured. After causing the guards to relax their vigilance, Colonel Day escaped into the jungle and began the trek toward South Vietnam. Despite injuries inflicted by fragments of a bomb or rocket, he continued southward surviving only on a few berries and uncooked frogs. He successfully evaded enemy patrols and reached the Ben Hai River, where he encountered U.S. artillery barrages. With the aid of a bamboo log float, Colonel Day swam across the river and entered the demilitarized zone. Due to delirium, he lost his sense of direction and wandered aimlessly for several days. After several unsuccessful attempts to signal U.S. aircraft, he was ambushed and recaptured by the Viet Cong, sustaining gunshot wounds to his left hand and thigh. He was returned to the prison from which he had escaped and later was moved to Hanoi after giving his captors false information to questions put before him. Physically, Colonel Day was totally debilitated and unable to perform even the simplest task for himself. Despite his many injuries, he continued to offer maximum resistance. His personal bravery in the face of deadly enemy pressure was significant in saving the lives of fellow aviators who were still flying against the enemy. Colonel Day's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Armed Forces.
GB-180, March 22, 1976
Born: 2/24/1925 at Sioux City, Iowa
Home Town: Sioux City, Iowa
Other Award: Air Force Cross (WWII)
George Day served in the Iowa National Guard before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. During his military service in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam he received 60 medals, 40 of which were for Valor including the Medal of Honor, Air Force Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver Stars, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, three Bronze Stars, four Purple Hearts and ten Air Medals.
Dethlefsen, Merlyn Hans
Major, U.S. Air Force
354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand
Date of Action: March 10, 1967
Citation:
The Medal of Honor is presented to Merlyn Hans Dethlefsen, Major, U.S. Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, near Thai Nguyen, North Vietnam, on 10 March 1967. Major Dethlefsen was one of a flight of F-105 aircraft engaged in a fire suppression mission designed to destroy a key antiaircraft defensive complex containing surface-to-air missiles (SAM), an exceptionally heavy concentration of antiaircraft artillery, and other automatic weapons. The defensive network was situated to dominate the approach and provide protection to an important North Vietnam industrial center that was scheduled to be attacked by fighter bombers immediately after the strike by Major Dethlefsen's flight. In the initial attack on the defensive complex the lead aircraft was crippled, and Major Dethlefsen's aircraft was extensively damaged by the intense enemy fire. Realizing that the success of the impending fighter bomber attack on the center now depended on his ability to effectively suppress the defensive fire, Major Dethlefsen ignored the enemy's overwhelming firepower and the damage to his aircraft and pressed his attack. Despite a continuing hail of antiaircraft fire, deadly surface-to-air missiles, and counterattacks by MIG interceptors, Major Dethlefsen flew repeated close range strikes to silence the enemy defensive positions with bombs and cannon fire. His action in rendering ineffective the defensive SAM and antiaircraft artillery sites enabled the ensuing fighter bombers to strike successfully the important industrial target without loss or damage to their aircraft, thereby appreciably reducing the enemy's ability to provide essential war material. Major Dethlefsen's consummate skill and selfless dedication to this significant mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.