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John
Y.
Barbee

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Waggoner

, 

Illinois

John Barbee was a member of Guyton Christopher’s Flying Fortress that crashed with the loss of six members of the crew missing in action in January 1943. Christopher himself received the Distinguished Service Cross for the final mission, and members of his aircrew earned a total of ten Silver Stars in actions from 1942 until the bomber was shot down.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    64th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    43d Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    January 7, 1943
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 107 (May 31, 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 Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) John Y. Barbee (ASN: 0-660098), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 64th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on or about 7 January 1943. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.