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(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Staff Sergeant Benjamin F. Warmer, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Right Waist Gunner on a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 348th Squadron, 99th Bombardment Group (H), TWELFTH Air Force, while participating in aerial in the Mediterranean Theater of Action 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.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    348th Squadron

    Regiment:

    99th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    12th Air Force

    Action Date:

    July 5, 1943
    Headquarters, U.S. Army-North African Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 69 (August 2, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Benjamin Franklin Warmer (ASN: 19084133), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Right Waist Gunner on a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 348th Squadron, 99th Bombardment Group (H), TWELFTH Air Force, while participating in aerial combat over Gerbini airdrome, Sicily, on 5 July 1943. Staff Sergeant Warmer shot down an ME-109 in flames as a formation of 30 fighters attacked his element. A few minutes later he destroyed two more ME-109s, forcing the pilots to bail out. Again two more attacked. One of these exploded under the accurate fire of Sergeant Warmer’s gun. The other went down in flames. Replenishing his ammunition, Sergeant Warmer shot down a sixth fighter. Then, as five more ME-109s attacked, he destroyed his seventh. The extraordinary heroism and super marksmanship reflect great credit upon Sergeant Warmer and the Air Corps of the United States Army.