Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    366th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    305th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 19, 1943

    Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 48 (August 3, 1943)

    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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Jesse Bohannon Duval, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as an Bombardier on a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the 366th Bombardment Squadron, 305th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission over enemy-occupied continental Europe on 19 May 1943. The aircraft in which he was serving was viciously attacked by a large force of enemy fighter airplanes. The aircraft was seriously damaged in this encounter and Lieutenant Duval was severely wounded by a cannon shell which rendered him unconscious. He was revived by his comrades, and in spite of his serious wounds and while suffering intense pain this officer returned to his position and heroically continued to man his guns. The extraordinary heroism, skill, and coolness displayed by Lieutenant Duval materially aided in warding off the continued enemy attacks and in the safe return of the aircraft and crew.