Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    525th Fighter-Bomber Squadron

    Regiment:

    86th Fighter Group

    Division:

    12th Air Force

    Action Date:

    October 3, 1944

    Headquarters, U.S. Army-Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 56 (December 5, 1944)

    (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) Richard G. Oldham, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while in action against enemy forces as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Aircraft of the 525th Fighter Squadron, 86th Bombardment Group, TWELFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy on 3 October 1944, in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations during World War II. On that date, Captain Oldham led an eight-plane P-47 strafing mission against Villafranca Airdrome, near Verona, Italy. It was reported that enemy aircraft had taken off from this base to attack targets in the Florence area on the preceding day, and this mission was vital because these aircraft might be found on the airfield. Taking off at dawn, Captain Oldham led a low-level strafing attack, destroying four parked aircraft on the field and shooting up several anti-aircraft gun positions. As he began his pass, his aircraft was hit by flank and he crashed a few miles south of the target, his plane burning. Captain Oldham’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat, at the cost of his life, is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.