Navy Federal Credit Union

William Wayland was credited with destroying three enemy aircraft in aerial combat during World War II.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    395th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    368th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 23, 1944

    Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 29 (March 23, 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) William Justin Wayland (ASN: 0-818470), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 395th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 23 December 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. On that date, in aerial combat, First Lieutenant Wayland shot down two enemy aircraft. First Lieutenant Wayland’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.