(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major William Henry Wescott (AFSN: AO-665478), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, in Korea. 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
25th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronRegiment:
51st Fighter-Interceptor GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
April 13, 1952
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 Major William Henry Wescott (AFSN: AO-665478), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, in Korea on 13 April 1952. Leading a flight of four F-86 type aircraft, Major Wescott’s flight, flying at an altitude of approximately thirty-three thousand feet, sighted a flight of four MiG-15 type aircraft, west of Sinuiju, Korea. Pressing the attack, Major Wescott closed to a very close range on number four man of the MiG-15 formation and fired several short bursts making a direct hit on the fuselage, causing internal explosion and the pilot to bail out. Major Wescott, with display of aggressiveness and high professional skill, attacked number three man of the MiG-15 formation and again made string direct hits on the fuselage causing an internal explosion. The MiG-15 began to burn and spin until it crashed in the vicinity of Sinuiju. By the destruction of two MiG-15 type aircraft, Major Wescott demonstrated outstanding leadership, courage and flying ability and has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
25th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronRegiment:
51st Fighter-Interceptor GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
April 1, 1952
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 317 (June 26, 1952)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 William Henry Wescott (AFSN: AO-665478), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter-Bomber of the 25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 1 April 1952. Leading a flight of four F-86 type aircraft acting as a screening force for fighter-bombers, Major Wescott encountered a numerically superior force of enemy aircraft attempting to attack the friendly aircraft. He immediately attacked the enemy force, at the risk of his own life, completely disregarding the enemy’s efforts to deter him. Major Wescott’s initial attack resulted in the destruction of one of the enemy. He then attacked another flight of the enemy force and succeeded in destroying a second aircraft. During these attacks, he was at all times under fire from other elements of the enemy. Major Wescott’s destruction of the two aircraft effectively diverted the enemy attack and prevented interference with the fighter-bomber mission. Through his high personal courage, aggressive airmanship and devotion to duty, Major Wescott reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.