Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Virgil Lee Zoller (AFSN: 1440A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action as pilot of a B-26 Invader Attack Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 3d Bombardment Group (Light), FIFTH Air Force, during a daylight interdiction mission on 11 December 1950, when he attacked enemy transportation, buildings and troops in the vicinity of Sinuiju, Korea. Disregarding intense and highly accurate ground fire, Colonel Zoller made repeated attacks with bombs, rockets and machine gun fire which resulted in the destruction of a large important factory. Although attack by enemy aircraft was probable and expected, Colonel Zoller continued his strafing passes destroying targets of transportation and personnel. Only when his fuel supply became dangerously low did he break off his attacks. As he was returning from the target area, he discovered a large concentration of enemy troops in the vicinity of Ch’argon-Gwan. Although his low fuel supply made further attacks extremely dangerous, he elected to press the attack. He made several effective passes, encountering heavy and accurate ground fire, and destroyed numerous enemy personnel and vital equipment. Colonel Zoller’s gallant performance and outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    3d Bombardment Wing

    Action Date:

    August 28 – November 2, 1950

    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 73 (February 25, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Virgil Lee Zoller, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 3d Bombardment Wing, in Korea, from 28 August 1950 to 2 November 1950. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Zoller reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    3d Bombardment Wing

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Virgil Lee Zoller, 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 while serving as Commanding Officer, 3d Bombardment Wing, 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Virgil Lee Zoller, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the A-3 Section, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in Italy, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    3d Bombardment Wing

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Virgil Lee Zoller, United States Air Force, 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 while serving as Commanding Officer, 3d Bombardment Wing, 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.