Navy Federal Credit Union

All five members of the air crew of First Lieutenant Ralph Schmidt’s B-25 Bomber were lost in action on July 26, 1942, and all four American crewmembers were awarded the Silver Star. It was Wallace’s second Silver Star. Australian Pilot Officer Edward Thompson Mobsby, Co-Pilot of the bomber, was also missing in action and was belatedly awarded a Silver Star in 2014.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    90th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Bombardment Group (L)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    July 26, 1942

    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 186 (September 7, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Richard M. Wallace (ASN: 7002908), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber of the 90th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bombardment Group (Light), FIFTH Air Force, near the Philippine Islands on 26 July 1942. On that date, Corporal Wallace participated in four attacks against the enemy. During the mission, over 4,000 miles of open sea were covered, and the operations resulted in the destruction of many enemy transports, airplanes and ground installations. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Wallace, 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    90th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Bombardment Group (L)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 12 (May 25, 1942)

    (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 Corporal Richard M. Wallace (ASN: 7002908), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Radio Operator of a of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber of the 90th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bombardment Group (Light), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Wallace, 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.