Awards of the Silver Star 16 November 1944

Awards of the Silver Star

16 November 1944

Headquarters Eighth Air Force
Office of the Commanding General
APO 634

GENERAL ORDERS
No. 520
Awards of the Silver Star

I. 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, 4 August 1944, subject, “Awards and Decorations”, the SILVER STAR is awarded to the following named Officer.

MEYER C. WAGNER, JR. , 0-726501, Captain, Army Air Forces, United States Army. For gallantry in action while serving as Wing Commander on a heavy bombardment mission, 8 August 1944. Prior to reaching the target, Captain Wagner was painfully wounded as his aircraft heavily damaged as the result of encountering intense and accurate flak. Two engines were knocked out, most of the instruments and controls damaged, and a fire, fed by leaking gasoline and oxygen, broke out in the cockpit. Signaling for the deputy leader to take over, he skillfully maneuvered the battered aircraft out of formation. Still in a heavy flak area and unable to take proper evasive action due to the condition of his plane, Captain Wagner ordered the crew to bail out. With utter disregard for his own safety, he remained at the controls until all were clear. Not until then did he leave the aircraft. The gallantry, resourcefulness and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Wagner on this occasion, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces. Entered military service from Texas.

By Command of Lieutenant General DOOLITTLE:

John S.Allard,
Brigadier General, USA.
Chief of Staff

The above is an extract of 398th personnel from General Order 520.

Transcribed April 2008 by Jeff Vicha.