Navy Federal Credit Union

During World War II, Edward McComas became a U.S. Army Air Forces DOUBLE ACE, credited with shooting down 14 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, including shooting down 5 of them in a single action to become an ACE-in-a-DAY. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and died in 1954 while serving as a Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    118th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    23d Fighter Group

    Division:

    14th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Edward O. McComas (ASN: 0-17009154), 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 118th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group, FOURTEENTH 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Edward O. McComas (ASN: 0-17009154), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel McComas and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    118th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    23d Fighter Group

    Division:

    14th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 14th Air Force, General Orders No. 38 (April 18, 1945)

    (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 Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Edward O. McComas (ASN: 0-17009154), 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 118th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group, FOURTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel McComas, 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:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    118th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    23d Fighter Group

    Division:

    14th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Edward O. McComas (ASN: 0-17009154), 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 118th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group, FOURTEENTH 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    118th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    23d Fighter Group

    Division:

    14th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Edward O. McComas (ASN: 0-17009154), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 118th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group, FOURTEENTH Air Force, in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations during World War II. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel McComas reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.