Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Henry
Germeraad
August 24, 1918

–

August 8, 2006

Born:

Billings

, 

Montana

Home:

Billings

, 

Montana

Buried: 

Phoenix

, 

Arizona

Cemetery:

National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, John Germeraad transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1975 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General John Henry Germeraad (ASN: 0-437433), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Germeraad and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    345th Bombardment Squadron (H)

    Regiment:

    98th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) John Henry Germeraad (ASN: 0-437433), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Airplane Commander of a four-engine Heavy Bomber (B-24D) of the 345th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General John Henry Germeraad (ASN: 0-437433), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Germeraad and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General John Henry Germeraad (ASN: 0-437433), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Germeraad and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    345th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    98th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    October 3, 1942
    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 1 (January 1, 1943) & General Orders No. 4 (January 8, 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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) John Henry Germeraad (ASN: 0-437433), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 3 October 1942, while acting in his capacity as Airplane Commander of a four-engine Heavy Bomber (B-24D) of the 345th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), NINTH Air Force, during a difficult and hazardous mission over Navarino Bay. First Lieutenant Germeraad did, upon leaving the target after the long, grueling and trying performance so skillfully maintain his formation and direct the fire of his combat crew that it succeeded in downing an enemy fighter plane that was attacking another plane in the same element of the formation. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Germeraad, 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.