Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Charles
Drier
June 9, 1918

–

July 1, 1995

Born:

St. Louis

, 

Missouri

Home:

St. Louis

, 

Missouri

Buried: 

Fort Bliss

, 

Texas

Cemetery:

Fort Bliss National Cemetery

During World War II, William Drier became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    8th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    49th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 24, 1944
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 99 (April 28, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Captain (Air Corps) William Charles Drier (ASN: 0-736155), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 8th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 24 November 1944, in the Southwest Pacific Area. Two weeks earlier on November 2, Captain Drier shot down three enemy aircraft in a single mission. On this date he again claimed three aerial victories in a single day, making him an ACE. Captain Drier’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    8th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    49th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) William Charles Drier (ASN: 0-736155), 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 as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 8th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces in the Southwest Pacific Area during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    8th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    49th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) William Charles Drier (ASN: 0-736155), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 8th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces in the Southwest Pacific Area during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, 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.