During World War II, Raymond Littge became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 10.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and was killed in the crash of his F-84 near Maupin, Oregon, on May 20, 1949. His son, Raymond H. Littge, II, also became an Air Force pilot, served in combat during the Vietnam War, and was killed in a flying accident at Nellis AFB, Nevada, in 1979.
Sponsored by:
Raymond
Henry
Littge
DNB (1949)
October 18, 1923
–
May 20, 1949
Cemetery:
Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Service Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
487th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
352d Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War I
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Raymond Henry Littge (ASN: 0-698987), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 487th Fighter Squadron, 352d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations 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.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
487th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
352d Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
January 1, 1945
Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 47 (March 29, 1945)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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) Raymond Henry Littge (ASN: 0-698987), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Mustang Fighter Airplane of the 487th Fighter Squadron, 352d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Littge, 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.
-
Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
487th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
352d Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
April 17, 1945
Headquarters, U.S. Army Air Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 168 (December 28, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Raymond Henry Littge (ASN: 0-698987), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Plane of the 487th Fighter Squadron, 352d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action while leading a flight of P-51 aircraft in a strafing attack on an airdrome at Platting, Germany, on 17 April 1945. Captain Littge and his flight destroyed fourteen airplanes, of which Captain Littge personally accounted for six. During this attack, Captain Littge’s airplane sustained severe damage, including one and one-half feet shot off the left wing tip, damage to the oil line causing a serious leak, and a gaping hole where the middle gun of the left wing was also shot out. However, he carried out seven additional strafing attacks against the airdrome. The determination, coolness, and courage displayed by Captain Littge on this occasion reflects highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.