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unusual facts about Distinguished Flying Cross



Adriel N. Williams

His military decorations include the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with three oak leaf clusters, Air Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, French Croix de Guerre with Palm, and The Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant, Thailand.

British blimps operated by the USN

Ensign Phillip Barnes received the Distinguished Flying Cross from King George V during one of those flights.

Dean Chavers

He flew 138 missions and received the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and eight other awards.

Delaware Air National Guard

Col. (then Major) Patrick Houtman received the Distinguished Flying Cross for taking evasive action at low altitude after a surface to air missile (SAM) was launched against his C-130 aircraft.

Douglas Warren

In 1945 they both were awarded Distinguished Flying Cross by King George VI at Buckingham Palace.

Eugene E. Lindsey

Lindsey was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for successful leadership of his squadron in attacks on Kwajalein and Wotje in the Marshalls 1 February 1942.

Francisco Mercado, Jr.

(February 17, 1920 – September 23, 2005) was a member of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) and recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross who earned his membership to the exclusive “Caterpillar Club” having saved his life by parachuting over England while returning from a mission with a crippled B-24 during World War II.

Frederic Ives Lord

He joined in and shot down a Fokker Dr.I, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Gerald L. Miller

Awards he received during his career include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Gregory Mangin

Reaching the rank of staff sargeant he received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), the Air Medal with six clusters and a Purple Heart with one cluster.

Guy M. Townsend

Townsend was awarded the following medals for his military service: Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation Emblem, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon.

Hal Herbert

During the World War II, he flew Spitfires on high-altitude photo-reconnaissance trips and was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross.

Hervey Rhodes, Baron Rhodes

Despite the fact the Squadron was mainly engaged on reconnaissance and artillery spotting duties, Rhodes, with his usual pilot South African Lt. Croye Pithey, claimed as a crew a total of 5 enemy aircraft destroyed and a further 5 claimed 'out of control', Rhodes winning the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar.

Hugh John Beazley

In March 1944 he was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for "displaying the highest standard of courage and leadership" and appointed to command the operational airfield at Minneriya in Ceylon.

Jackie Rae

Rae flew Spitfires as a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.

John D. Vanderhoof

Born in Rocky Ford, Colorado, Vanderhoof worked in the family sporting goods business and was a banker and served in Naval Aviation during World War II, and received two Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals.

John E. Pitts, Jr.

In 1951, Pitts served with the 136th Tactical Fighter Group in the Korean War, flying 100 missions in the F-84 Thunderjet fighter-bomber aircraft and receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with oak leaf cluster.

John P. McConnell

His decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal, and numerous foreign awards, including Commander of the Order of the British Empire and the Legion of Honor - Degree of Commandeur (France).

LeRoy Clifford Deede

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his outstanding service while commanding a PBY during a bombing attack on a Japanese naval force in Jolo Harbor, Sulu, Philippine Islands, 27 December 1941.

Lucky Lady II

The plane's crew received Distinguished Flying Crosses and was honored by the National Aeronautic Association with its annual Mackay Trophy recognizing the outstanding flight of the year and by the Air Force Association with its Air Age Trophy.

PRR 460

After returning from Europe and his transatlantic flight on June 11, 1927, Charles Lindbergh was promoted to colonel and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by President Calvin Coolidge.

PRR E6

Celebrated pioneer aviator Charles Lindbergh returned to the United States on June 11, 1927, after his successful solo transatlantic flight from New York City to Paris; he was greeted by President Calvin Coolidge at Washington, DC and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Robert G. Emmens

Colonel Emmens decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, and Chinese Army, Navy, Air Corps Medal, Class A, 1st Grade, and the Japanese Order of the Sacred Treasure.

Rod Clement

He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1941 to 1945, saw action in World War II, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) award.

Roy Calvert

Along with his navigator, Calvert was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in October 1942 for his part in several combat missions over hostile territory including the 94-bomber raid on the Le Creusot armament factory, whilst flying both Manchesters and Lancasters.

Sir Noël Bowater, 2nd Baronet

Anne Patricia Bowater (b. 3 July 1925), educated at Westonbirt School, married on 21 April 1954 Group Captain Randolph Stuart Mills, who was decorated with the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and gained the rank of Group Captain in the service of the Royal Air Force, son of Captain Randolph Henry Mills, of Northampton, Northamptonshire, and had issue

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum

Today the hall has over 600 honorees among them are Medal of Honor, The Kearny Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross winners.

Tran Van Bay

Nguyen Quy An - Major in the Republic of Vietnam Air Force and a recipient of the United States Distinguished Flying Cross.

Walter J. Boverini

He was awarded the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross.


see also

James Whalen

James Henry Whalen (1920–1944), fighter pilot and recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross

John Doherty

John Joseph Doherty (1919–1942), United States Navy officer awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross

Newton Mason

Newton Henry Mason (1918–1942), United States Navy ensign, posthumous recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross

Robert Pittman

Robert C. Pittman (1922–1999), American pilot and entrepreneur who, in midst of World War II Army service, flew over 250 Pacific combat missions; awarded Distinguished Flying Cross; communications executive from 1950s to 1980s