Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Sheldon
Smith
Brinson
August 29, 1917

–

September 30, 1988

Home:

Bainbridge

, 

Georgia

Buried: 

Tallahassee

, 

Florida

Cemetery:

Roselawn Cemetery

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    V Fighter Command

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 1942
    Headquarters, V Fighter Command, General Orders No. 2 (January 24, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Sheldon S. Brinson (AFSN: 8771A/0-660104), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane with the V Fighter Command, 5th Air Force, in aerial operations in New Guinea, in November 1942. While flying a P-40 fighter, and greatly outnumbered by enemy Japanese Zeros, in an aerial encounter, Second Lieutenant Brinson saved a fellow pilot’s live whose plane was crippled. He shot down one Zero off his comrade’s plane, and deterred several enemy planes that were pursing him. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    18th Fighter-Bomber Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 6, 1952
    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 173 (April 7, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel Sheldon Smith Brinson (AFSN: 8771A/0-660104), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of an F-51 Mustang Fighter Airplane and as Commanding Officer of the 18th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in Korea, on 6 November 1952. Colonel Brinson personally planned and led a napalm strike on enemy troop concentrations in the Puksan-ni area in North Korea. As a result of Colonel Brinson’s careful planning and personal leadership on this mission, a total of 4,800 gallons of scorching napalm devastated the area, while no loss or damage was sustained by any aircraft under his command. After personally napalming and strafing the target, Colonel Brinson orbited the target alone, with utter disregard for his personal safety and in spite of intense ground fire. Leading his second squadron to the secondary target, Colonel Brinson again led the attack, using maximum evasive action, then orbited the target area to direct he remainder of the attack in the face of concentrated fire power and at great personal risk. Through Colonel Brinson’s superior leadership, the group completely destroyed three enemy billeting areas and annihilated over 750 enemy troops. Colonel Brinson’s high personal courage in remaining over the target areas involved, and his outstanding devotion to duty, reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.