Navy Federal Credit Union

Bennett Wilson received a Silver Star for actions during the first American counteroffensive in the Pacific in April 1942, a week before the Doolittle Raid on Japan. Seven Distinguished Service Crosses were awarded to Air Crews of B-27 Flying Fortresses of the 19th Bombardment Group (H) and ten B-25 Mitchell Bombers of the 3d Bombardment Group (L), and more than 35 Silver Stars were awarded for the four-day operation. He received a second Silver Star the following month in a mission from which he never returned.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    3d Bombardment Group (L)

    Division:

    Far East Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 10 – 14, 1942

    Headquarters, Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 18 (June 6, 1942)

    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) Bennett G. Wilson (ASN: 0-384791), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber of the 3d Bombardment Group (Light), Far East Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in from 10 to 14 April 1942. First Lieutenant Wilson participated in a flying expedition from Australia to the Philippine Islands, in four attacks against the enemy. During this 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 daring, determination and perseverance of First Lieutenant Wilson was evident throughout the entire mission. He was filled with zeal to inflict the most damage on the enemy, and uncomplainingly endured hardships to accomplish this end. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Wilson, 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:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    90th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Bombardment Group (L)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 58 (December 31, 1942)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Bennett G. Wilson (ASN: 0-384791), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 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 First Lieutenant Wilson, 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.