Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Gordon
Howard
McDaniel
March 13, 1924

–

February 27, 1982

Born:

Sweetwater

, 

Tennessee

Home:

Sweetwater

, 

Tennessee

Buried: 

Johnson City

, 

Tennessee

Cemetery:

Mountain Home National Cemetery

During World War II, Gordon became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, including the mission that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross when he shot down five enemy aircraft in a single engagement to become an ACE-in-a-DAY.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    318th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    325th Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    March 14, 1944
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Air Forces-Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 52 (May 21, 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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Gordon Howard McDaniel (ASN: 0-807583), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 318th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 14 March 1944, in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. On this date First Lieutenant McDaniel destroyed five German FW-190 fighter aircraft to become an ACE in a single day. First Lieutenant McDaniel’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 15th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    318th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    325th Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Gordon Howard McDaniel (ASN: 0-807583), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 318th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action 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.