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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Stanley F. Walden, Jr. (ASN: 0-1699267), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter airplane and as Flight Leader of fourteen P-38’s of the 339th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, on an escort mission over New Britain, 28 January 1944. Escorting bombers raiding Tobera Airdrome, Captain Walden’s flight was attacked by forty to sixty enemy fighters. Greatly outnumbered by this force, at a disadvantage of altitude, and having to pass through a barrage of intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, Captain Walden kept his flight scissoring over the bombers and succeeded in giving them full protection. While enemy planes were attacking, Captain Walden came to the aid of a crippled P-38, shooting down the Zero on its tail, and staying with the crippled airplane which was out of control and losing altitude. At this time another P-38 with an engine shot away, joined the first P-38 and Captain Walden covered both aircraft, giving them protection while they made water landings and were entering their life boats. His actions saved the lives of both pilots. The courage, flying skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Walden, with utter disregard for his own safety, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major [then Captain]

    Batallion:

    12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Action Date:

    February 14, 1953
    Far East Air Forces

    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 [then Captain] Stanley F. Walden, Jr. (ASN: 0-1699267), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of an unarmed and unescorted RB-26 with the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Night Photo, on 14 February 1953. Major Walden and his crew were assigned a target near heavily fortified Pyongyang, North Korea. As Major Walden began the target run, intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire was directed at the aircraft. Major Walden, fully aware of the danger involved, obtained his crew’s consent to conti9nue the run. Anti-aircraft shells rocket the aircraft, but all sixteen photo flash bombs were successfully dropped. The skill with which he handled the aircraft under such perilous conditions resulted in one hundred percent photographic coverage of the target. Valuable intelligence information was made available to the United Nations Command as a result of Major Walden’s efforts. Major Walden’s courage under fire, his superior airmanship, and his devotion to duty bring the highest credit to himself and the United States Air Force.