AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross as a radio operator/gunner, flying 65 combat missions with Marine Torpedo Bombers in the South Pacific during 1943 and 1944. In late January 1944 he was shot down and along with the pilot and gunner spent three days in a life raft and two days on a Navy hospital ship before being sent back into combat, less than a week after the shoot down. It wasn't until 1998 that his awards were finally authorized and he received a letter from the Navy Department stating,' The Commandant of the Marine Corps has approved the awarding of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Gold Stars in lieu of the second through third awards.' In addition, Private First Class Raymond G. Czarnecki was awarded ten Air Medals for missions flown with the Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadrons 143 and 232, Marine Air Group 11, during his 1943- 1 944 tour in the South Pacific Theater of Operations. Raymond G. Czarnecki is a member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society.