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Robert T. Davis, the Pilot of August Roznovsky’s PBY Rescue Plane in the action that earned him the Silver Star, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for this mission.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Emergency Rescue Squadron (PBY)

    Regiment:

    5230th Composite Rescue Group

    Division:

    13th Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 8, 1945

    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 1277 (June 27, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant August V. Roznovsky (ASN: 6289095), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as a Gunner of a PBY Catalina Rescue Aircraft of the Far East Air Forces, in aerial operations near Tarakan, Borneo, Netherlands East Indies, on 8 April 1945. Sergeant Bernard was a surgical technician in the crew of a Catalina aircraft of the 2d Emergency Rescue Squadron (PBY), 5230th Composite Rescue Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, dispatched to rescue the crew of a B-25 down in Japanese-controlled waters. When a P-38 pilot sighted a dinghy and led the rescue plane to the area, the Catalina had to fly within 200 yards of enemy guns. They set up an intense barrage of enemy anti-aircraft and machine-gun fire, badly damaging the Catalina and wounding Sergeant Roznovsky and a gunner. Although he was bleeding from a severe face wound, Sergeant Roznovsky remained at his post. He took charge of the injured gunner and made the rescued airman comfortable for the return trip, before giving directions for the administration of first aid to himself. The exceptional courage and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Roznovsky in disregarding his own suffering to insure the well-being of others exemplify the highest traditions of the United States Army Air Forces.