Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Henry
Smith
Rudolph
October 18, 1923

–

February 15, 2009

Born:

Wetumpka

, 

Alabama

Home:

, 

Indiana

During World War II, Henry Rudolph became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    353d Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    354th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Henry Smith Rudolph (ASN: 0-712041), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 353d Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH 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:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    353d Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    354th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    September 12, 1944
    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 291 (December 14, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Henry Smith Rudolph (ASN: 0-712041), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 353d Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, while participating in a fighter sweep on 12 September 1944. On that date, Lieutenant Rudolph attacked the enemy with intense zeal and singular flying skill. Although outnumbered three-to-one, Lieutenant Rudolph pursued the enemy relentlessly, and, despite severe battle damage sustained by his own plane he effected the destruction of three Focke Wolfe fighters. By his calm courage and undaunted perseverance in the presence of grave danger Lieutenant Rudolph reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.