Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Alfred
F.
Kalberer
January 1, 1907

–

June 24, 1984

Born:

Lafayette

, 

Indiana

Home:

Lafayette

, 

Indiana

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, Alfred Kalberer transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1963 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Alfred F. Kalberer (ASN: 0-253972/607A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in action against the enemy in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Alfred F. Kalberer (ASN: 0-253972/607A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    August 23, 1944 – August 15, 1945
    Headquarters, USASAF General Orders No. 21 (September 3, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Air Corps) Alfred F. Kalberer (ASN: 0-253972/607A), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services from 23 August 1944 to 15 August 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Kalberer and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1955 – July 1, 1957

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General Alfred F. Kalberer (ASN: 0-253972/607A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States as Commander, 14th Air Division, Travis Air Force Base, California, from 1 August 1955 to 1 July 1957. During this period, General Kalberer exhibited outstanding leadership ability by elevating his command to its highest state of combat in many years. As a result of his personal guidance, the command converted a heavy reconnaissance wing to an atomic capable heavy bombardment wing in a minimum period of time and with a maximum of effectiveness. The many professional accomplishments of the division are directly attributable to the superior leadership and command decisions of General Kalberer. His command supported the aircraft and crews which were providing a continuous flow of air logistical shipments to members of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, thus strengthening the over-all capabilities of those member organizations and the United States, in addition to providing support to the Royal Air Force aircraft and crews during the British atomic tests held at Christmas Island. The outstanding accomplishments of General Kalberer in all areas of supply, operations, support of tenant units, welfare of his personnel, and Air Force-community relations were outstanding. Through his exemplary conduct and outstanding initiative, General Kalberer has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    First Provisional Group (H)

    Division:

    Middle East Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 15, 1942
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Middle East, General Orders No. 17 (September 23, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Alfred F. Kalberer (ASN: 0-253972/607A), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action with the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Bomber Airplane of the First Provisional Group (Heavy), Middle East Air Forces. On 15 June 1942 he took part in an attack upon Italian Fleet operating in the Mediterranean Sea, made by a formation of U. S. Army Air Force heavy bombers. This attack was so successful that the fleet was forced to withdraw permitting safe passage to a British convoy bound for Malta. On the return flight to base, he manned his machine with such precision and in such perfect coordination with the remainder of the formation that intercepting enemy fights were driven off with two casualties. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Kalberer, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    May 5, 1944 – January 25, 1945
    Headquarters, 20th Air Force, General Orders No. 44 (February 21, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) Alfred F. Kalberer (ASN: 0-253972/607A), United States Army Air Forces, for outstanding and meritorious achievement while participating in operational and/or combat flights from bases in India to bases in China and return, and from bases in China on missions over enemy territory where enemy fire was probably and expected, during the period from 5 May 1944 to 25 January 1945. Colonel Kalberer accomplished his mission with distinction above and beyond that normally expected. He participated in operational and/or combat flights over extremely rugged terrain where unfavorable weather made flying hazardous. He exhibited untiring energy and meticulous care while flying. Undaunted by the many hazards faced regularly and continuously, he performed his duties in such a manner as to reflect great credit to this Command and to the Army Air Forces.