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

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight 24 May 1945 from a base in the Marianas Islands. These individuals were combat crewmembers of a B-29 aircraft in a night incendiary attack on the city of Tokyo, Japan. The entire target area was clear with no cloud cover, permitting intense and accurate flak to be directed at the plane. During the bomb run, they were caught repeatedly by searchlights and attacked aggressively by four Baka suicide planes, one of which pressed to within 300 yards of the B-29 before disintegrating from well-directed fire. The concussion from the disintegrating Baka severely shook up all the crewmembers, but despite this, and regardless of the severity of the attacks, the bomber was kept on course and all projectiles were dropped on the briefed target. Twenty-two square miles of the city were destroyed. The bomb bay doors failed to close, and two crewmembers descended into the open bomb bays and closed the doors by use of the emergency system. Throughout this emergency, continued interceptor attacks necessitated violent evasive action. Returning to base, number two engine cut out on the final approach due to fuel shortage, but the coordination and professional skill by the crew brought the B-29 in to a successful landing on three engines. The coolness, airmanship and courage displayed by these combat veterans reflect great credit on themselves and the Army Air Forces.