Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
M.
Ainlay

Home:

Fairbury

, 

Nebraska

During World War II, John Ainlay became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 8 enemy aircraft in aerial combat.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    309th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    31st Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) John M. Ainlay (ASN: 0-730322), 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-51D Fighter Pilot of the 309th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    309th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    31st Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 470 (May 16, 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 Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) John M. Ainlay (ASN: 0-730322), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy as a P-51 Mustang Fighter Pilot of the 309th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Ainlay, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    309th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    31st Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) John M. Ainlay (ASN: 0-730322), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51D Fighter Pilot of the 309th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European 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.