Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Henry
Arthur
Keel
POW (WWII) MIA

Home:

Umatilla

, 

Florida

Buried: 

Manila

, 

Philippine Islands

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Manila (Wall of the Missing)

After a successful bombing mission and while returning to base Henry Keel’s bomber was attacked by 8 Japanese Fighters. Their right engine was disabled by flak and after a water-landing, the entire crew made it to a raft, which was subsequently strafed. His dog tag was later found in a mass grave and it is believed he was captured and executed while a Japanese prisoner of war.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    13th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Bombardment Group (L)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 58 (December 31, 1942)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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) Henry Arthur Keel (ASN: 0-404018), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber of the 13th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bombardment Group (Light), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Keel, 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.