Awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross

10 August 1944

HEADQUARTERS 1ST AIR DIVISION
Office of the Commanding General
APO 556

10 August 1944

GENERAL ORDERS
NO. 231

Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross Section I

Under the provisions of Army Regulations 600-45, 22 September 1943; as amended and pursuant to authority contained in letter, Hq Eighth Air Force, File 200.6, 23 September 1944, subject, “Awards and Decorations,” the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS is awarded to the following-named officer.

FRANKLIN W. TAYLOR, 0-25970, First Lieutenant, Air Corps, United States Army. For extraordinary achievement while serving as Pilot of a B-17 airplane on a bombing mission over German, 21 June 1944. On this date the airplane which Lieutenant Taylor was piloting was struck by anti-aircraft fire while over the target. The instruments were smashed, two engines were knocked out and the left side of the hydraulic system disabled. One fragment of flak entered the cockpit and struck Lieutenant Taylor’s left hand, rendering it useless. The crippled aircraft was forced to drop from formation. Despite the pain in his shattered hand, he remained at his position for more than four hours, aiding the Co-Pilot guide the airplane back to home base. Using all his available strength, Lieutenant Taylor assisted the Co-Pilot in landing the airplane safely. The courage, coolness and tenacity of purpose displayed by this officer reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered military service from Tennessee.

WILLIAM B. PEIRCE, 0-693884, Second Lieutenant, Air Corps, United States Army. For extraordinary achievement while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-17 airplane on a bombardment mission over Germany, 21 June 1944. On this date Lieutenant Peirce assumed control of the airplane after the pilot had been wounded over the target by flak. Although he sustained a leg injury he flew with consummate skill for more than four hours although two engines were inoperative and extensive battle damage had been inflicted on the instruments and hydraulic systems. A large part of the return flight was made at an altitude of less than five hundred feet. With the aid of the pilot Lieutenant Peirce safely landed the crippled airplane upon reaching home base with no further injury to crew members or damage to the aircraft. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by Lieutenant Peirce reflected the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered military service from Virginia.

Award of Oak Leaf Cluster to Distinguished Flying Cross II

Under the provisions of Army Regulations 600-45, 22 September 1943, as amended and pursuant to authority contained in letter, Hq Eighth Air Force, File 200.6, 4 August 1944, subject, “Awards and Decorations,” an OAK LEAF CLUSTER is awarded to the following-named Enlisted Man for wear with the AIR MEDAL previously awarded.

CHARLES B. SUCHMAN, 39535476, Technical Sergeant, Air Corps, United States Army. For meritorious achievement while serving as Radio Operator of a B-17 airplane on a heavy bombardment mission over enemy territory, 8 July 1944. On this date Sergeant Suchman was wounded in the arm by a flak fragment while on the bombing run. Upon completion of the run, the pilot was forced to leave the formation. Because of severe damage to three engines Sergeant Suchman initiated emergency procedures. Disregarding pain of his wound and thinking of the safety of the crew, he continued to send emergency signals until immediately before the plane crash landed on the south coast of England. The courage, coolness and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Suchman reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered military service from California.

By command of Major General Williams:

Bartlett Beaman
Brigadier General, U.S. Army,
Chief of Staff

OFFICIAL
Roberts P. Johnson, Jr.
Lieutenant Colonel, A.G.D.
Adjutant General

The above is an extract of 398th personnel from General Order 231.

Transcribed April 2005 by Dawne Dougherty.