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"Billy Boy"
by aviation artist Robert Karr |
Awards and Decorations | |||||||||||||
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Silver Star |
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R E S T R I C T E D HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH AIR FORCE APO 520 GENERAL ORDERS 16 October 1944. NUMBER 3985 Award of the Silver Star ......................... Section I SECTION I – AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR Under the provisions of AR 600-45, as amended, and pursuant to authority contained in Circular No. 89, Headquarters NATOUSA, 10 July 1944, the Silver Star is awarded the following named officer, Air Corps, United States Army, residence and citation as indicated: BEN A. MASON, JR., O-21563, Lieutenant Colonel, Hq, 82nd Ftr Gp. For gallantry in action as pilot of a P-38 type aircraft. On 4 August 1944, Col Mason led his formation on a strafing mission against enemy airdromes in Rumania. Despite intense and accurate enemy anti-aircraft fire encountered enroute to the target, displaying outstanding courage and determination, Col Mason continued through to the objective, where he destroyed two enemy aircraft and routed six enemy fighters in the air. While the main formation proceeded on to Russian bases, Col Mason, with exceptional gallantry and complete disregard for his personal safety, turned back to protect and lead three crippled P-38's flying at low altitude. Though subjected to intense and accurate enemy ground fire which rendered one engine of his aircraft inoperative, he successfully brought his crippled ship and those of his comrades through for a safe landing at a friendly base. By his conspicuous courage in risking his life to insure the safety of others, together with his outstanding combat proficiency and devotion to duty, as evidenced throughout over forty-five (45) successful missions against the enemy, Col Mason has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Residence at appointment: Houston, Texas. By command of Major General TWINING: R. K. TAYLOR, Colonel, GSC, Chief of Staff. OFFICIAL: J. M. IVINS, Colonel, AGD, Adjutant General. The Silver Star is awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity, distinguished themselves by gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States, or while serving with friendly forces against an opposing armed enemy force. It is awarded for combat action only, and ranks as the third highest valor decoration of the United States. |
Distinguished Flying Cross |
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HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH AIR FORCE APO 520 RESTRICTED Under the provisions of AR 600-45, as amended, and pursuant to authority contained in Circular No. 26, Headquarters Natousa, 6 March 1944, the Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded the following named personnel, residence and citation indicated: Ben A. Mason, Jr., 0-21563, Lieutenant Colonel, Air Corps, Headquarters 82nd Fighter Group, United States Army. For extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as pilot of a P-38 type aircraft. On 10 June 1944, Colonel Mason led a formation on a hazardous dive-bombing mission against a vital and heavily defended enemy oil center in Rumania. Despite heavy enemy opposition encountered enroute, together with intense and accurate enemy anti-aircraft fire in the target area, Colonel Mason courageously brought his formation through, placing his bombs directly on the objective. Turning from the target, in spite of the severe damage rendered to his ship from the enemy flack, Colonel Mason successfully damaged one (1) locomotive, a transport plane and destroyed one (1) enemy fighter in the air, as he brought his formation safely through to home base. By his outstanding leadership, courage and devotion to duty, as evidenced throughout his combat career, Colonel Mason has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Residence at appointment: Houston, Texas. The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any officer and enlisted member of the United States Armed Forces who shall distinguish themselves by heroism in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918. The first award was made to Capt. Charles A. Lindbergh for his solo flight across the Atlantic. Other recipients include Commander Richard E. Byrd, for his historic flight over the North Pole, and aviatrix Amelia Earhart. |
Air Medal |
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| The Air Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, subsequent to September 8, 1939, shall have distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. It was given for combat or non-combat action, and conferred in recognition of single acts of heroism or merit for operational activities against an armed enemy. Additionally, it is given for meritorious services, or for sustained distinction in the performance of duties involving regular and frequent participation in aerial flight. |
Distinguished Unit Citation |
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The Distinguished Unit Citation is awarded to units of the armed forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after 7 December 1941. The unit must display such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions as to set it apart and above other units participating in the same campaign. The degree of heroism required is the same as that which would warrant award of a Distinguished Service Cross to an individual. Extended periods of combat duty or participation in a large number of operational missions, either ground or air, is not sufficient. Only on rare occasions will a unit, larger than a battalion, qualify for award of this decoration.
The Air Force Distinguished Unit Citation is slightly smaller than that of the Army, so that it can be worn in alignment with other Air Force ribbons. |
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