Navy Federal Credit Union

William Freeman became a World War II Marine Corps ACE, credited with shooting down SIX enemy aircraft in aerial combat.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 115 (VMF-115)

    Action Date:

    May 20 – July 22, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major William B. Freeman (MCSN: 0-10179), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN (VMF-115), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Bismarck Archipelago Islands Area. During the period 20 May 1944 to 22 July 1944, Major Freeman completed his eightieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 115 (VMF-115)

    Action Date:

    September 2 – 6, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Star in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Silver Star to Major William B. Freeman (MCSN: 0-10179), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN (VMF-115), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Bismarck Archipelago Islands Area. During the period 2 to 6 September 1944, Major Freeman completed his one hundredth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121)

    Action Date:

    November 18 – 20, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major William B. Freeman (MCSN: 0-10179), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-121), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area. During the period 18 to 20 November 1942, Major Freeman completed his fortieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121)

    Action Date:

    October 13 – 17, 1942

    SPOT Award (November 9, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant William B. Freeman (MCSN: 0-10179), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-121), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area. During the period 13 to 17 October 1942, Second Lieutenant Freeman, with courageous aggressiveness and utter disregard for his own personal safety, shot down two Zero fighters and one Japanese bomber. His superb airmanship and gallant fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121)

    Action Date:

    October 25 – November 2, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major William B. Freeman (MCSN: 0-10179), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-121), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area. During the period 13 to 17 October 1942, Major Freeman completed his twentieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121)

    Action Date:

    January 6 – 10, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major William B. Freeman (MCSN: 0-10179), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-121), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area. During the period 6 to 10 January 1943, Major Freeman completed his sixtieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.