RESTRICTED
HEADQUARTERS
XIX TACTICAL AIR COMMAND
APO 141, U S Army
13 February 1945
GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 11
[Section I omitted]
SECTION II: AWARDS OF OAK LEAF CLUSTER TO AIR MEDAL
1. By direction
of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order No. 9158 (Bulletin 25, WD, 1942), as amended by Executive Order
No. 9242-A (Bulletin 49, WD, 1942), and in accordance with authority delegated by the War Department and by the Theater Commander,
an OAK LEAF CLUSTER to the Air Medal is awarded to the following named officers for meritorious achievement while participating
in aerial flight on 9 December 1944, in the European Theater of Operations.
a. On the 9th of December 1944, the following named officers of the 379th Fighter Squadron, 362nd
Fighter Group, flew top cover on a mercy mission near Saarlautern, Germany. After spearheading a drive across the Saar River,
two Infantry Battalions had become cut off in a small woods and were caught in a deadly cross-fire from the Germans. Due to
the high casualty rate, blood plasma and other critical medical supplies were urgently needed by the Battalion Medics to care
for the wounded. The top flight was providing cover for a flight that had been equipped with wing tanks loaded with blood
plasma and other medical supplies. Nearing the target area, a barrage of light and heavy flak from the enemy was encountered.
Realizing the importance of the wing tanks being dropped to the ground forces, these officers maintained their position in
the top flight despite the low ceilings and poor visibility, heavy anti-aircraft fire and the fact that some of the planes
required as many as eight passes to drop their tanks. All belly tanks were dropped to the encircled troops and the situation
greatly relieved thereby enabling them to hold out until reinforcements were sent across to relieve them.
JOHN K McMAHON (6th OLC) 0770352 1st LT AC Grand Island, Nebr
JAMES W NANCE (1st OLC) 0714985 2nd LT AC Victoria, Texas
JULIAN D THWING (7th OLC) 0766781 1st LT AC Bijou Hills, S Dak
b. On the 9th of December 1944, the following named officers of the 379th Fighter Squadron, 362nd
Fighter Group, flew a mercy mission near Saarlautern, Germany. After spearheading a drive across the Saar River, two Infantry
Battalions had become cut off from the main force in a small woods and were caught in a deadly cross-fire from the Germans.
Due to the high casualty rate, blood plasma and other critical medical supplies were urgently needed by the Battalion Medics
to care for the wounded. Flying at tree top level under a ceiling far below the minimum requirements for combat flying, these
officers followed their leader to the small target that was not marked by panels or other conspicuous markings. Their planes
were fitted with wing tanks which were filled with the highly important medical supplies wrapped in blankets. Nearing the
target area, a barrage of light and heavy flak from the enemy was encountered, these officers with complete disregard for
their own personal safety and fully aware of the high importance of their mission, followed their leader through the barrage
while flying at tree top level. Their tanks were dropped so that the Medics were able to recover the needed supplies. Due
to the outstanding devotion to duty displayed, the situation of the encircled units was greatly relieved, thereby enabling
them to hold out until reinforcements were sent across to relieve them.
CHARLES W EVERETT (2nd OLC) 0813136 1st LT AC Newportville, Pa
ROBERT B SEARL (11th OLC) 0763751 1st LT AC Spokane, Wash
BRANDON D NUTTALL (3rd OLC) 0708752 2nd LT AC Shelbyville, Ky
[Order continues with additional sections omitted]
By command of Major General WEYLAND
J F THOMPSON, JR
Colonel, Air Corps
Deputy Chief of Staff.
OFFICIAL
[Signature]
FRANCIS M WHITLOCK, JR.
Major, AGD,
Adjutant General.
DISTRIBUTION “D”
