Awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross

29 May 1945

General Orders No. 427
29 May 1945

John Menig, 36751901. Technical Sergeant. Air Corps. United States Army. For extraordinary achievement while serving as Radio Operator of a B-17 airplane on a bombing mission over Germany, 2 March 1945. On this date the aircraft in which Sergeant Menig was flying was viciously attacked by hostile fighters in the target area. Exploding 20mm shells severely damaged the airplane and wounded this soldier in the leg. After receiving first aid, Sergeant Menig instructed a crew member in setting up a liason set, although cautioned to remain quiet on the floor. Using the back of his hand on the key, the soldier succeeded in obtaining a fix from a ground station aiding in the safe return of the aircraft and crew. The courage, coolness, and tenacity of purpose displayed by Sergeant Menig reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered military service from Illinois.

Robert A. Richardson, 39863377. Sergeant. Air Corps. United States Army. For extraordinary achievement while serving as Tail Gunner of a B-17 airplane on a bombing mission over Germany, 2 March 1945. On this date, while on the bomb run Sergeant Richardson was severely wounded when the aircraft in which he was flying was aggressively attacked by enemy fighters. Despite the painful wounds, this soldier remained at his gun position maintaining the maximum curtain of fire until he fell unconscious from lack of oxygen. Immediate first aid was rendered. The accurate gunnery and singular determination exhibited by Sergeant Richardson on this occasion aided in successfully warding off the hostile aircraft. The courage, coolness, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Richardson reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered military service from Arizona.

Richard E. Alderson, 15174378. Sergeant. Air Corps. United States Army. For extraordinary achievement while serving as Waist Gunner of a B-17 airplane on a bombing mission over Germany, 2 March 1945. On this date six hostile fighters viciously attacked the aircraft in which Sergeant Alderson was flying, badly damaging it and seriously wounding this soldier. Although bleeding profusely and suffering severe pain, Sergeant Alderson remained at his gun position from which he had been violently thrown and resumed firing at the enemy aircraft. Further attacks were successfully warded off. After receiving first aid, Sergeant Alderson assisted the Engineer in manually releasing the trailing antenna. The courage, coolness, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Alderson reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered military service from West Virginia.

The above is an extract of 398th personnel from General Orders 427.

Transcribed May 2009 by Jeff Vicha.