The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Payne Jennings, Jr. (AFSN: 0-4267A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 19th Bombardment Group, FIFTH Air Force, in Korea, from 26 September 1950 to 2 November 1950. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Jennings reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelBatallion:
93d Bombardment SquadronRegiment:
19th Bombardment Group (M)Division:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
November 8, 1950
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 115 (November 19, 1950)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Payne Jennings, Jr. (AFSN: 0-4267A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action near Sinuiju, Korea, on 8 November 1950. Serving as Command Pilot of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Medium), FIFTH Air Force, Colonel Jennings led an aerial attack against Sinuiju, the well-defended temporary capitol of North Korea and an extremely important enemy communications and supply center. This city is located only 666 yards across the Yalu River from An-Tung, Manchuria. Enemy anti-aircraft artillery was located on both sides of the river and conventional and jet type aircraft were based in the area and expected to attack in force. Colonel Jennings knew this target was vitally important to the enemy. He also wished to prevent possible international consequences of American aircraft crossing over or bombs dropping upon Manchuria. He therefore chose to lead his group in the mission which resulted in maximum destruction of all assigned targets. His courageous leadership served as inspiration to all members of his command. The leadership and gallantry displayed by Colonel Jennings are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelRegiment:
Far East Bomber CommandDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
July 22, 1950
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 Payne Jennings, Jr. (AFSN: 0-4267A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 22 July 1950. On this date, Colonel Jennings, acting as Air Commander for FEAF Bomber Command, lead a successful radar strike against a tank assembly point, supply dumps, and warehouses at Nanam, North Korea. After completion of the bombing attack, Colonel Jennings directed the aircraft commander to proceed to the Wonsan area to attempt to secure post-strike photographs of the Wonsan Oil Refinery which had been attacked on 13 July by radar means. Upon arrival, it was found that the entire Wonsan area was obscured by ten-tenths cloud coverage. Due to the importance of obtaining the post-strike photographs for future planning purposes, Colonel Jennings proceeded out to sea, made a let-down until he was beneath the cloud dock, and made a run over the Wonsan Oil Refinery at a minimum altitude. This run was made in the face of intense and accurate flak. Desired photographs were obtained and brought back, giving the command the first detailed information on the accuracy of the initial strike against the enemy. The personal courage, devotion to duty and foresight displayed by Colonel Jennings on this occasions reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel [then Lieutenant Colonel]Action Date:
May 17 – August 9, 1945
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel [then Lieutenant Colonel] Payne Jennings, Jr. (AFSN: 0-4267A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations from 17 May 1945 to 9 August 1945. 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.