During World War II, Thomas Maloney became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 8 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. Ironically, his one combat wounding occurred not in the air, but when he stepped on a land mine, receiving severe injuries that resulted in his return to the United States where he was hospitalized for 3 1/2 months.
Sponsored by:
Thomas
Edward
Maloney
March 21, 1923
–
November 16, 2008
Born:
Cushing
,
Oklahoma
Home:
Cushing
,
Oklahoma
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
27th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
1st Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Thomas Edward Maloney (ASN: 0-750645), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 27th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, 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.