AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  B-29

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Millard A. Palmer for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 7 July 1945. On that date, while participating as a B-29 Fire Control Gunner in a bombing mission against Akashi, Japan, the twenty 500-pound, high-explosive incendiary bombs failed to release from the aft bomb bay. With total disregard for his safety, Sergeant Palmer and the aircraft Bombardier took off their flak suits, personal flotation devices and parachute harnesses and entered the open bomb bay. They were then able to move between the bomb bay racks and the ribs of the aircraft, precariously hanging on to the bomb racks with one hand. While assuring the arming wires were intact and with just a flashlight and screw driver, they were able to release the bombs on the bomb below, and with great physical effort, push each of the bombs out of the bomb bay. The actions of Sergeant Palmer precluded the aircraft Pilot from ditching the aircraft and forcing the aircrew to bail out and enabled the aircraft to safely return and land in Saipan. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Palmer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.