Navy Federal Credit Union

Everett Holstrom was one of the 80 airmen who, under the leadership of Jimmy Doolittle, disembarked from the U.S.S. Hornet in the first bombing raid over Tokyo in World War II. After bailing out over China, he remained in China to command the 11th Bombardment Squadron. Prior to the Doolittle Raid, on December 24, 1941, as a member of the 95th Bombardment Squadron, Holstrom participated in a mission that resulted in the destruction of the first enemy submarine sunk off the West Coast of the United States. He retired in 1969 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    June 11, 1955 – March 15, 1957

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Everett Wayne Holstrom (ASN: 0-397395/3986A), United States Air Force, for meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as Commander, 301st Bombardment Wing, from 11 June 1955 to 15 March 1957. Through Colonel Holstrom’s outstanding leadership, expert planning and keen foresight, the 301st Bombardment Wing attained and maintained such an increase in its combat effectiveness that it was rated operationally as the best Bombardment Wing within Strategic Air Command from 1 September 1956 to 31 December 1956. Colonel Holstrom implemented a full program of training which manifested itself in the organization’s ability to consistently score among the best in Unit Simulated Combat Missions. Through his sound logical training programs, this wing was able to withstand an extremely large loss of combat crews without affecting its Emergency War Plan capability. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Holstrom reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    11th Bombardment Squadron

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Everett Wayne Holstrom (ASN: 0-397395/3986A), 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 as Pilot of a Bomber of the 11th Bombardment Squadron during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    11th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    341st Bombardment Group (M)

    Division:

    10th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, China Air Task Force, General Orders No. 15 (October 21, 1942)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Everett Wayne Holstrom (ASN: 0-397395/3986A), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber in the 11th Bombardment Squadron, 341st Bombardment Group (Medium), TENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Holstrom, 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Doolittle Tokyo Raider Force

    Action Date:

    April 18, 1942

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Everett Wayne Holstrom (ASN: 0-397395), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement as Pilot of a B-25 Bomber of the 1st Special Aviation Project (Doolittle Raider Force), while participating in a highly destructive raid on the Japanese mainland on 18 April 1942. Captain Holstrom with 79 other officers and enlisted men volunteered for this mission knowing full well that the chances of survival were extremely remote, and executed his part in it with great skill and daring. This achievement reflects high credit on himself and the military service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    1966 – 1969

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Everett Wayne Holstrom (ASN: 0-397395/3986A), 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, culminating as United States Deputy Chief of Staff for the secret planning group LIVE OAK with NATO at Mons, Belgium, from September 1966 to July 1969. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Holstrom culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.