Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    53d Squadron

    Regiment:

    61st Troop Carrier Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    September 2 – 24, 1943

    Headquarters, IX Troop Carrier Command, General Orders No. 89 (October 2, 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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Harry J. Wills (ASN: 0-915226), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with a Troop Transport Airplane of the 53d Squadron, 61st Troop Carrier Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations from 2 September 1943 to 24 September 1943. First Lieutenant Wills was one of seven technicians who accompanied a unit of fifty paratroopers on a mission to capture the island of Ventotene, deep in Axis-held territory. The enemy forces on this island, having no knowledge of the fact that they far outnumbered the Americans, and believing the reverse to be the case, surrendered the island inhabited by 1,300 civilians and the Axis force of 250 soldiers. Working for periods as long as 36 hours without sleep, First Lieutenant Wills and the others installed a radio beacon which was to prove invaluable to the troop carrier planes invading Italy. Under constant threat of attack by the enemy from air, sea or land, First Lieutenant Wills and the men completed their task – a tribute to their skill, courage and zeal. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Wills, 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.