AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Arcia O. Turner, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Southwest Pacific Area. During the period from 18 December 1944 to 6 February 1945, he participated in twenty combat missions, over enemy territory in the vicinity of operational enemy airfields, during which enemy opposition was probable and expected. His actions during this period were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Gold Star in lieu of the Second Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Arcia Ola Turner, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Commander of a Patrol Plane in Patrol Bombing Squadron Seventy One, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands Area, on the night of November 26, 1944. Sighting a Japanese freighter off the coast of Jolo Island, Lieutenant Turner executed a skillful attack and, despite accurate antiaircraft fire from enemy shore batteries, scored a direct hit with a 250-pound bomb which caused the vessel to burn and eventually sink. His courageous airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Gold Star in lieu of the Third Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Arcia Ola Turner, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Commander of a Patrol Plane during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area on February 28, 1945. Participating in an offensive reconnaissance mission over enemy waters, Lieutenant Turner entered the strongly-defended harbor of Make in the Pescadores Islands and, in the face of intense hostile fire, executed a masthead attack on a large enemy freighter, probably inflicting serious damage on the ship. Although the instruments and electrical system of his plane were damaged and the hull punctured in numerous places by explosive shells and small calibre fire, he supervised the care of two seriously wounded crew members while returning to base where he made a skillful emergency water landing. His airmanship, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.