Awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross

21 December 1944

By Headquarters 1st Bombardment Division
CONFIDENTIAL
Headquarters 1st Bombardment Division
Office of the Commanding General
APO 557

21 December 1944

GENERAL ORDERS
No. 643
Award of Distinguished Flying Cross

1. Under the provisions of the 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, Award of Distinguished Flying Cross

Saul G. Marias
Paul H. Rich, Jr.

By Headquarters 1st Bombardment Division
CONFIDENTIAL
Headquarters 1st Bombardment Division
Office of the Commanding General
APO 557

21 December 1944

GENERAL ORDERS
No. 643

Award of Distinguished Flying Cross

SAUL G. MARIAS. 0-819844, First Lieutenant, Air Corps, United States Army. For extraordinary achievement while serving as Pilot of a B-17 airplane on a bombing mission over Germany, 28 September 1944. On this date immediately after bombs away, the airplane which Lieutenant Marias was piloting sustained several direct flak hits. The Number Three engine was hit and had to be feathered. The gasoline tank of Number Four engine was struck and the fuel drained from it, causing it to be feathered. In addition the hydraulic system was disabled, rendering the brakes useless. Due to lack of power caused by the two feathered engines the aircraft rapidly lost altitude and Lieutenant Marias was forced to leave the formation. Exhibiting exemplary tenacity of purpose and consummate flying ability he successfully accomplished the flight to an emergency field in friendly territory and effected a forced landing without injury to the crew or damage to the aircraft. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by Lieutenant Marias on this occasion reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered military service from New York.

PAUL H. RICH, JR., 0-817531, Second Lieutenant, Air Corps, United States Army. For extraordinary achievement while serving as Pilot of a B-17 airplane on bombing missions over Germany, 22 October 1944 and 28 October 1944. On 22 October 1944 the Number Three engine of the airplane which Lieutenant Rich was flying developed a runaway propeller approximately thirty minutes before reaching the target. Prior to reaching the Initial Point one of cylinders of the Number One engine blew out, causing oil to run out. Lieutenant Rich immediately feathered the propeller. He was unable to remain with the formation and rapidly lost altitude. Bombs were released in the target area and he expertly accomplished the return flight to friendly territory. On 28 October 1944 the Number Three engine of Lieutenant Rich’s aircraft was rendered inoperative due to mechanical difficulty. The propeller began to windmill badly but he maintained his position in the formation. The Number Four engine began to smoke. One minute before bombs away the Number Four engine failed and the propeller could not be feathered. Lieutenant Rich held the airplane on course until bombs were released and then skillfully effected the journey back to friendly territory. 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 Massachusetts.

By command of Brigadier General TURNER:

BARTLETT BEAMAN,
Brigadier General, U.S. Army,
Chief of Staff.

OFFICIAL:
ROBERTS P. JOHNSON, JR.,
Lieut. Colonel, A. G. D.,
Adjutant General

The above is an extract of 398th personnel from General Order 643.

Transcribed July 2004 by Marilyn Gibb-Rice.