Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Batallion:

    13th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Bombardment Group (L)

    Division:

    Far East Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 25, 1943

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 34 (June 21, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant George H. Bengel (ASN: 6705073), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Bombardier and Front Gunner in a B-25 Medium Bomber in the 13th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bombardment Group (L), FAR EAST Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 25 May 1943, over Lae, New Guinea. Technical Sergeant Bengel was bombardier and front gunner in one of a flight of five medium bombers raiding Lae. Intercepted by five enemy fighters before reaching the target, he drove off two attempts at head-on attack. Despite anti-aircraft fire and continued interception, he placed his bombs well in a line down the runway. One engine of his airplane was disabled. Technical Sergeant Bengel ably defended it from frontal attacks, his accurate gunnery causing one enemy fighter to crash into the sea. A few minutes later, his own aircraft was forced to a water landing. Technical Sergeant Bengel’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat, at the cost of his life, is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.