Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Joseph
James
Preston
January 17, 1912

–

November 27, 1984

Born:

Elgin

, 

Minnesota

Home:

Elgin

, 

Minnesota

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, Joseph Preston transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1964 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Joseph James Preston, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the Far East Air Forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations 1942; as a Bomber Pilot and Commander in the 3d Bombardment Division, EIGHTH Air Force, in action over enemy-occupied Continental Europe from 1943 to 1944; and as Director of Operations and subsequently Commander of the 20th Bombardment Command, Guam, from 1944 to 1945. 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    4th Bombardment Wing

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 17, 1943
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 131 (August 17, 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 Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Joseph James Preston (ASN: 0-22868), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Combat Leader in the 4th Bombardment Wing, EIGHTH Air Force, on a combing mission over Germany on 12 March 1943. Lieutenant Colonel Preston directed a Heavy Bombardment Wing from his position in the leading airplane of the formation. Under his inspiring leadership, a highly important and heavily defended military object were successfully bombed. The courage, skill, and brilliant leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Preston on this occasion reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Joseph James Preston, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the Far East Air Forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations 1942; as a Bomber Pilot and Commander in the 3d Bombardment Division, EIGHTH Air Force, in action over enemy-occupied Continental Europe from 1943 to 1944; and as Director of Operations and subsequently Commander of the 20th Bombardment Command, Guam, from 1944 to 1945. 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Joseph James Preston, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the Far East Air Forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations 1942; as a Bomber Pilot and Commander in the 3d Bombardment Division, EIGHTH Air Force, in action over enemy-occupied Continental Europe from 1943 to 1944; and as Director of Operations and subsequently Commander of the 20th Bombardment Command, Guam, from 1944 to 1945. 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 Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Joseph James Preston, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of the 20th Bombardment Command, Guam, from 1944 to 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Preston and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.