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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Air Corps) Clyde Henry Webb, Jr. (ASN: 0-22999), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in action at Milne Bay, New Guinea, on 26 August 1942. Captain Webb was Pilot of a B-17E type aircraft which was part of a formation of eight planes that attacked a Japanese convoy in Milne Bay. Adverse weather conditions forced it to approach the target from an altitude of 2,000 feet. Despite a heavy anti-aircraft barrage which was sent up by five enemy warships, Captain Webb continued on the bombing run until his plane received a direct hit and burst into flames, causing it to crash into the bay. Such courage and devotion to duty exemplify the finest traditions of the United States Army Air Corps.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    93d Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    19th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Clyde Henry Webb, Jr. (ASN: 0-22999), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, during World War II. 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    93d Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    19th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 25, 1942
    Headquarters, Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 43 (September 1, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Clyde Henry Webb, Jr. (ASN: 0-22999), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations over Rabaul, New Britain, on 25 May 1942. En route to their target, First Lieutenant Webb and his air crew were intercepted by a dozen Zeros and continuous anti-aircraft fire. The B-17 fought off the attackers, reached the objective and dropped their bombs squarely on the enemy airfield at Rabaul, with telling effect. Three enemy Zeros were shot down. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Webb, 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.