Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Batallion:

    71st Bombardment Squadron (M)

    Regiment:

    38th Bombardment Group (M)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 18, 1943

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 62 (October 20, 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 Technical Sergeant William E. Skinner (ASN: 14071362), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Gunner on a B-26 Medium Bomber in the 71st Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 38th Bombardment Group (Medium), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission near Wewak, New Guinea, on 18 August 1943. Technical Sergeant Skinner was upper Turret Gunner of a medium bomber during a bombing and strafing attack at minimum altitude on Dagua Airdrome and Muschu Island. Just before the rune, he shot down two attacking enemy aircraft and aided in destroying another. After bombing the primary target, the flight continued on a strafing attack against enemy shipping, barges and ground installations. An enemy fighter attacked and scored a direct hit on the upper turret, completely demolishing it, and inflicting severe head injures on Technical Sergeant Skinner. Immediately upon regaining consciousness, he returned to the turret, and although completely exposed to the slipstream, continued at his guns for fifteen minutes until the flight had shaken off pursuit. On this mission, Technical Sergeant Skinner exhibited marksmanship, courage, and tenacity of a high order. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Technical Sergeant Skinner on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.