| 368th Fighter Group Combat Record, Awards, & Decorations |
| There were many more medals awarded after V-E Day for service during this time period. Including the recent awarding of long overdue Silver Stars and Purple Hearts Figures are being updated as research continues. |
368th Fighter Group Campaign Streamers
368th Fighter Group Unit Award Streamers
368th FG Unit Awards
Presidential Unit Citation
| View Presidential Unit Citation for action near Mons, Belgium 3 September 1944 |
| Belgium Fourragere 395th FS, 396th FS, 397th FS, and 368th FG, Cited in the Order of the Day, Belgium Army: 6 June -30 September 1944 and 16 December 1944 - 25 January 1945. |
368th FG Individual Awards
| Second and subsequent awards are denoted by Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC); a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster is worn in lieu of five Bronze OLC's. |
Distinguished Service Cross - 8
Awarded for extraordinary heroism in action not
justifying the award of a Medal of Honor.
The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable
and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set
the individual apart from his or her comrades.
Awarded to:
Paul Douglas x 2 awards - 395th FS & 396th FS
Bill Garry - 395th FS
Randall Hendricks - 397th FS
William Kerr - 397th FS
Henry Olson - 396th FS
Tote Talbott - 397th FS
Bill Wayland - 395th FS
Awarded for extraordinary heroism in action not
justifying the award of a Medal of Honor.
The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable
and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set
the individual apart from his or her comrades.
Awarded to:
Paul Douglas x 2 awards - 395th FS & 396th FS
Bill Garry - 395th FS
Randall Hendricks - 397th FS
William Kerr - 397th FS
Henry Olson - 396th FS
Tote Talbott - 397th FS
Bill Wayland - 395th FS
Legion of Merit - 3
Awarded for exceptional meritorious
conduct in the performance of
outstanding service.
Awarded for exceptional meritorious
conduct in the performance of
outstanding service.
| Officer Grade Colonel or above |
| Legionnaire |
Distinguished Flying Cross - 205
Awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while
participating in aerial flight.
The performance of the act of heroism must be evidenced by
voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. The
extraordinary achievement must have resulted in an
accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly
set the individual apart from his comrades or from other
persons in similar circumstances. Awards will be made only to
recognize single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement
and will not be made in recognition of sustained operational
activities against an armed enemy.
Awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while
participating in aerial flight.
The performance of the act of heroism must be evidenced by
voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. The
extraordinary achievement must have resulted in an
accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly
set the individual apart from his comrades or from other
persons in similar circumstances. Awards will be made only to
recognize single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement
and will not be made in recognition of sustained operational
activities against an armed enemy.
Soldiers Medal - 5
Awarded for heroism by those serving with the US Army in
any capacity that Involves the "Voluntary Risk of Life"
under conditions other than those of conflict with an
opposing armed force."
The Soldiers Medal is the highest non-combat related award
for heroism.
Awarded for heroism by those serving with the US Army in
any capacity that Involves the "Voluntary Risk of Life"
under conditions other than those of conflict with an
opposing armed force."
The Soldiers Medal is the highest non-combat related award
for heroism.
Bronze Star - 130
Awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service not
involving participation in aerial flight.
Award for heroism or valor is denoted by the attachment of
the "V" device.
There is reference to some Bronze Stars for Valor given to
368th FG personnel.
The exact number is unknown at this time, details to follow.
Pilots who completed a tour of duty with armor units as
forward air controllers where often awarded the Bronze Star.
Awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service not
involving participation in aerial flight.
Award for heroism or valor is denoted by the attachment of
the "V" device.
There is reference to some Bronze Stars for Valor given to
368th FG personnel.
The exact number is unknown at this time, details to follow.
Pilots who completed a tour of duty with armor units as
forward air controllers where often awarded the Bronze Star.
Purple Heart - 57*
Awarded for wounds or death as an act of any opposing
armed force.
*The 368th FG lost 47 pilots and 3 NCO's while deployed to
Europe, 5 of these after 5-9-45. Numerous 368th
personnel were wounded in action. *This number should be
higher, research continues.
Awarded for wounds or death as an act of any opposing
armed force.
*The 368th FG lost 47 pilots and 3 NCO's while deployed to
Europe, 5 of these after 5-9-45. Numerous 368th
personnel were wounded in action. *This number should be
higher, research continues.
History of the Purple Heart
Originally established by General George Washington on 07 AUG 1782, at Newburgh on
the Hudson, New York, as an award for outstanding military merit, or the 'Badge of Merit'.
The award was in the form of an embroidered, heart-shaped badge of purple cloth
and bestowed on only three non-commissioned officers. Though never officially
abolished it was not again awarded for almost one hundred and fifty years. In 1932, as
the Purple Heart medal was created.
In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an Executive Order which provided that
the Purple Heart would be made available to members of all the US Armed Services who
were wounded in action.
Originally established by General George Washington on 07 AUG 1782, at Newburgh on
the Hudson, New York, as an award for outstanding military merit, or the 'Badge of Merit'.
The award was in the form of an embroidered, heart-shaped badge of purple cloth
and bestowed on only three non-commissioned officers. Though never officially
abolished it was not again awarded for almost one hundred and fifty years. In 1932, as
the Purple Heart medal was created.
In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an Executive Order which provided that
the Purple Heart would be made available to members of all the US Armed Services who
were wounded in action.
Air Medal - 467*
Awarded for heroic actions or meritorious service while
participating in aerial flight.
Award for heroism or valor is denoted by the attachment of
the "V" device.
Numerals were later authorized for subsequent awards
instead of Oak Leaf Clusters.
Air Medals for valor were rarely given to pilots, most were
awarded to enlisted air crews. It is unknown if any 368th
personnel were awarded the Air Medal for Valor.
*Statistically this number should be much higher. Each pilot
was awarded an Air Medal after each 5 combat missions and
for each aerial victory. For example Lt Kik left Europe with 16
Air Medals and Col Douglas with 35 Air Medals, 27 for
missions and 8 for aerial victories.
Awarded for heroic actions or meritorious service while
participating in aerial flight.
Award for heroism or valor is denoted by the attachment of
the "V" device.
Numerals were later authorized for subsequent awards
instead of Oak Leaf Clusters.
Air Medals for valor were rarely given to pilots, most were
awarded to enlisted air crews. It is unknown if any 368th
personnel were awarded the Air Medal for Valor.
*Statistically this number should be much higher. Each pilot
was awarded an Air Medal after each 5 combat missions and
for each aerial victory. For example Lt Kik left Europe with 16
Air Medals and Col Douglas with 35 Air Medals, 27 for
missions and 8 for aerial victories.
Prisoner of War Medal
Department of Defense Authorization Act, dated 8 November
1985, amended Chapter 57 of Title 10, USC, 1128, to
require under certain circumstances the issuance of a
Prisoner of War Medal to any person who, while serving in
any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, was
taken prisoner and held captive after 5April1917.
Authorized for all US Military Personnel who were taken
Prisoner of War after 05Apr1917, during an armed conflict,
and who served honorably during the period of captivity.
Department of Defense Authorization Act, dated 8 November
1985, amended Chapter 57 of Title 10, USC, 1128, to
require under certain circumstances the issuance of a
Prisoner of War Medal to any person who, while serving in
any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, was
taken prisoner and held captive after 5April1917.
Authorized for all US Military Personnel who were taken
Prisoner of War after 05Apr1917, during an armed conflict,
and who served honorably during the period of captivity.
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
For service in the US Armed Forces within the
European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations from
07Dec1941 to 08Nov1945.
One bronze service star may be worn for each campaign;
one silver service star in lieu of five bronze.
Bronze arrowhead for participation in invasion.
Ribbon colors decoded:
Background; brown represents the sands of North Africa and the Middle
East,green represents the forests and fields of Europe
Center Grouping; red/white/blue represents the United States
Left Grouping; green/white/red represents Italy
Right Grouping; black/white represents Germany
For service in the US Armed Forces within the
European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations from
07Dec1941 to 08Nov1945.
One bronze service star may be worn for each campaign;
one silver service star in lieu of five bronze.
Bronze arrowhead for participation in invasion.
Ribbon colors decoded:
Background; brown represents the sands of North Africa and the Middle
East,green represents the forests and fields of Europe
Center Grouping; red/white/blue represents the United States
Left Grouping; green/white/red represents Italy
Right Grouping; black/white represents Germany
American Campaign Medal
For service within the American Theater between 7 December
1941 and 2 March 1946.
Awarded to many 368th personnel prior to deployment to
Europe for service in the U.S. American Theater.
Ribbon colors decoded:
The blue color represents the Americas; the central blue, white and red
stripes (taken from the American Defense Service Medal ribbon) refers
to the continuance of American defense after Pearl Harbor. The white
and black stripes refer to the German part of the conflict on the Atlantic
Coast, while the red and white stripes are for the Japanese colors and
refer to that part of the conflict on the Pacific Coast.
For service within the American Theater between 7 December
1941 and 2 March 1946.
Awarded to many 368th personnel prior to deployment to
Europe for service in the U.S. American Theater.
Ribbon colors decoded:
The blue color represents the Americas; the central blue, white and red
stripes (taken from the American Defense Service Medal ribbon) refers
to the continuance of American defense after Pearl Harbor. The white
and black stripes refer to the German part of the conflict on the Atlantic
Coast, while the red and white stripes are for the Japanese colors and
refer to that part of the conflict on the Pacific Coast.
Victory Medal, World War II
Established by Congress on 09 Jul 1945, and awarded to
members of the US Armed Forces for service between
07Dec1941 and 31Dec1946.
The rainbow on each side of the ribbon is a miniature of the
pattern used in the WWI Victory Medal.
Established by Congress on 09 Jul 1945, and awarded to
members of the US Armed Forces for service between
07Dec1941 and 31Dec1946.
The rainbow on each side of the ribbon is a miniature of the
pattern used in the WWI Victory Medal.
Army of Occupation Medal
Established by the War Department in 1946 and awarded to
members of the US Army and Air Force for thirty days or
more consecutive service in the Occupation Forces.
Germany Clasp:
The service clasp is worn on the suspension ribbon to
indicate area of occupation.
Established by the War Department in 1946 and awarded to
members of the US Army and Air Force for thirty days or
more consecutive service in the Occupation Forces.
Germany Clasp:
The service clasp is worn on the suspension ribbon to
indicate area of occupation.
The Official Score Board (From 368th FG Records)
March 14th, 1944 to May 9, 1945
Combat Hours Flown: 45,390
Combat Missions Flown: 1,406
Combat Sorties: 17,455
.50 caliber ammunition fired: 4,570,892 rounds
Pounds of ordnance (all types) dropped: 10,860,000 lbs.
368th FG Aces: 3
None of this was without loss:
Aircraft lost or damaged beyond repair: 110
Pilots lost while engaged in combat operations: 54
Enlisted lost during combat operations period: 3
March 14th, 1944 to May 9, 1945
Combat Hours Flown: 45,390
Combat Missions Flown: 1,406
Combat Sorties: 17,455
.50 caliber ammunition fired: 4,570,892 rounds
Pounds of ordnance (all types) dropped: 10,860,000 lbs.
368th FG Aces: 3
None of this was without loss:
Aircraft lost or damaged beyond repair: 110
Pilots lost while engaged in combat operations: 54
Enlisted lost during combat operations period: 3
|
*Highest scoring 9th Air Force P-47 Group.
**Most destroyed & damaged by any 9th Air Force Group.
**Most destroyed & damaged by any 9th Air Force Group.
| Click to see full size photo of the "Box Score" |
Fighter Group's as a whole were not eligible for the Air Combat Streamer, but
the individual squadrons were. The 395th FS, 396th FS, and 397th FS were
awarded all of the above plus the Air Combat Streamer.
the individual squadrons were. The 395th FS, 396th FS, and 397th FS were
awarded all of the above plus the Air Combat Streamer.
Criteria
The Presidential Unit Citation is awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and co-belligerent nations for
extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after 7 December 1941. The unit must display such
gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions
as to set it apart and above other units participating in the same campaign. The degree of heroism required is the same as
that which would warrant award of a Distinguished Service Cross to an individual. Extended periods of combat duty or
participation in a large number of operational missions, either ground or air is not sufficient. This award will normally be
earned by units that have participated in single or successive actions covering relatively brief time spans.
Background
The Distinguished Unit Citation was established as a result of Executive Order No. 9075, dated 26 February 1942. The
Executive Order directed the Secretary of War to issue citations in the name of the President of the United States to Army
units for outstanding performance of duty after 7 December 1941. The design submitted by the Office of the Quartermaster
General was approved by the G1 on 30 May 1942.
The Distinguished Unit Citation was redesignated the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) per DF, DCSPER, date 3 November
1966.
The Presidential Unit Citation is awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and co-belligerent nations for
extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after 7 December 1941. The unit must display such
gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions
as to set it apart and above other units participating in the same campaign. The degree of heroism required is the same as
that which would warrant award of a Distinguished Service Cross to an individual. Extended periods of combat duty or
participation in a large number of operational missions, either ground or air is not sufficient. This award will normally be
earned by units that have participated in single or successive actions covering relatively brief time spans.
Background
The Distinguished Unit Citation was established as a result of Executive Order No. 9075, dated 26 February 1942. The
Executive Order directed the Secretary of War to issue citations in the name of the President of the United States to Army
units for outstanding performance of duty after 7 December 1941. The design submitted by the Office of the Quartermaster
General was approved by the G1 on 30 May 1942.
The Distinguished Unit Citation was redesignated the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) per DF, DCSPER, date 3 November
1966.
Criteria:
The Belgian fourragére may be awarded by the Belgian Government if a unit was cited twice in the order of the day. Award of
the fourragére is not automatic and requires a specific decree of the Belgian Government. The fourragére is the same colors
as the ribbon for the Croix de Guerre. The fourragére may be displayed on the guidon for ceremonial occasions as shown in
Chapter 9, Army Regulation (AR) 840-10.
The Belgian fourragére may be awarded by the Belgian Government if a unit was cited twice in the order of the day. Award of
the fourragére is not automatic and requires a specific decree of the Belgian Government. The fourragére is the same colors
as the ribbon for the Croix de Guerre. The fourragére may be displayed on the guidon for ceremonial occasions as shown in
Chapter 9, Army Regulation (AR) 840-10.
Silver Star - 23*
The Silver Star is awarded to a person who, while
serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army, is cited for
gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States
while engaged in military operations involving conflict
with an opposing foreign force.
The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than
that required for award of the Distinguished Service
Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with
marked distinction. Our nations 3rd highest award.
*Number is higher as some have been recently
awarded.
The Silver Star is awarded to a person who, while
serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army, is cited for
gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States
while engaged in military operations involving conflict
with an opposing foreign force.
The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than
that required for award of the Distinguished Service
Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with
marked distinction. Our nations 3rd highest award.
*Number is higher as some have been recently
awarded.