Navy Federal Credit Union

During World War II, Lester Arasmith became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He flew F-51 Mustangs and F-80 Shooting Stars with the 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS) and then the 41st FIS of the 35th Fighter Group from August 1950 to May 1951 in the Korean War. In his third war, he served as commander of the 3rd Combat Support Group at Bien Hoa AB in the Republic of Vietnam from May 1968 to March 1969.. He retired in 1969 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    530th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    311th Fighter Group

    Division:

    10th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Lester L. Arasmith (ASN: 0-702740), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 530th Fighter Squadron, 311th Fighter Group, TENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    530th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    311th Fighter Group

    Division:

    10th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Lester L. Arasmith (ASN: 0-702740), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 530th Fighter Squadron, 311th Fighter Group, TENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    530th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    311th Fighter Group

    Division:

    10th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Lester L. Arasmith (ASN: 0-702740), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 530th Fighter Squadron, 311th Fighter Group, TENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations during World War II. He distinguished himself as pilot of fighter type aircraft in China by destroying five enemy aircraft in aerial combat on the dates cited: One fighter, 17 November 1944; two fighters, 18 December 1944; two fighters, 5 January 1945. The outstanding skill and fortitude this fighter pilot exhibited in combat with the enemy reflect great honor upon himself and are in keeping with the fine traditions of the Army Air Forces.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    May 1968 – March 1969

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Lester L. Arasmith (ASN: 0-702740), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, culminating as commander of the 3rd Combat Support Group at Bien Hoa AB in the Republic of Vietnam from May 1968 to March 1969. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Arasmith culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.