Navy Federal Credit Union

A total of 5 Medals of Honor and 56 Distinguished Service Crosses, among numerous other awards, were awarded for the August 1, 1943 low-level bombing mission of the Ploesti Oil Refineries, ranking it as perhaps the single-most decorated combat air mission of World War II. Colonel John R. Kane, pilot of Lieutenant Whalen’s bomber, was awarded the Medal of Honor in this action.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps), [then Second Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    344th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    98th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1943

    Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army Air Force, General Orders No. 86 (September 11, 1943)

    (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), [then Second Lieutenant] Norman Matthew Whalen (ASN: 0-794081), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Navigator of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 344th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, Second Lieutenant Whalen remained steady as he directed his airplane through heavy enemy fire against impossible odds, performing his duties valiantly. When his bomber was badly damaged he successfully plotted a course to Cypress for emergency landing. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Whalen on this occasion, even when confronted with practically certain destruction, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.