During World War II, Donald Larson became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, before he was himself killed in action when he collided with another P-51 fighter during a combat mission.
Sponsored by:
Donald
Arthur
Larson
KIA (WWII)
April 2, 1915
–
August 4, 1944
Born:
Yakima
,
Washington
Home:
Yakima
,
Washington
Buried:
Neupre
,
Belgium
Cemetery:
A.B.M.C. Ardennes
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
505th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
339th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 517 (1944)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major (Air Corps) Donald Arthur Larson (ASN: 0-431891), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Mustang Fighter Airplane of the 505th Fighter Squadron, 339th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Larson, 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 ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
505th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
339th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Donald Arthur Larson (ASN: 0-431891), 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 while serving as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 505th Fighter Squadron, 339th Fighter Group, EIGHTH 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.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
505th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
339th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Donald Arthur Larson (ASN: 0-431891), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 505th Fighter Squadron, 339th Fighter Group, EIGHTH 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.