Navy Federal Credit Union

James Turk was a member of the air crew of a Flying Fortress bomber piloted by Raymond Salzarulo during the Battle of Midway. All ten members of the crew were missing in action and posthumously awarded Silver Stars. Also flying in Salzarulo’s bomber and missing in action that day was Major General Clarence Tinker, Command Pilot, who chose to lead the mission. Oklahoma City Air Depot was named Tinker Field in his honor. It is now known as Tinker Air Force Base.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Batallion:

    31st Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    5th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    7th Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 3 – 7, 1942

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, General Orders No. 87 (September 22, 1942)

    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 Technical Sergeant James Humphries Turk, Jr. (ASN: 6254704), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Aerial Engineer of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 31st Bombardment Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), SEVENTH Air Force, in aerial operations during the Battle of Midway, between 3 and 7 June 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Turk, 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.