Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Richard
Eugene
Turner
1920-04-08

–

1986-11-14

Born:

Cushing

, 

Oklahoma

Home:

Cushing

, 

Oklahoma

Buried: 

Fort Collins

, 

Colorado

Cemetery:

Roselawn Cemetery

During World War II, Richard Turner became a U.S. Army Air Forces DOUBLE ACE, credited with shooting down 11 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, returning to aerial combat in the Korean War before he was medically retired in 1953 as a Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    356th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    354th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Richard Eugene Turner (ASN: 0-730674), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-40 Fighter Pilot of the 356th 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:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    356th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    354th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 267 (November 13, 1944)

    (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 Major (Air Corps) Richard Eugene Turner (ASN: 0-730674), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Warhawk Fighter Airplane of the 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Turner, 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:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    356th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    354th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Richard Eugene Turner (ASN: 0-730674), 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-40 Fighter Pilot of the 356th 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.