Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    19th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    22d Bombardment Group (M)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 17, 1942

    Headquarters, South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 41 (October 7, 1942)

    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 Staff Sergeant Albert Louis Catallo (ASN: 6910853), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-Pilot and Bombardier on a B-26 Medium Bomber with the 19th Bombardment Squadron, 22d Bombardment Group (M), FIFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces on 17 August 1942, near Port Moresby, New Guinea. When an air-raid warning was sounded as he was assisting in preparing the airplane, of which he was the bombardier and co-pilot, for a bombing mission, Staff Sergeant Catallo, with the rest of the crew, attempted an immediate take-off, remaining with the plane when bombs started falling while the plane was being taxied into position. One stick of four bombs fell within thirty yards, filling the plane with shrapnel, damaging it so severely as to render it unserviceable and wounding all but one of the crew. The pilot was seriously wounded in the left elbow and was bleeding profusely. Staff Sergeant Catallo, although painfully wounded in the right thigh, improvised a tourniquet for the pilot’s arm, assisted him out of the plane and in the midst of a continuing bombing attack carried him the entire length of the runway to relative safety. When transportation was procured, Staff Sergeant Catallo used his own body as a cushion for the wounded pilot over a twelve-mile stretch of exceedingly rough road. Staff Sergeant Catallo’s courageous and self-sacrificing actions undoubtedly saved the life of the pilot and exemplify the highest traditions of military service, reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Army. Great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.