Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Flight Officer

    Batallion:

    405th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    38th Bombardment Group (M)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 18, 1943

    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 195 (1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Flight Officer Don Maurice Yancey (ASN: T-186492), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber of the 405th Bombardment Squadron, 38th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Fifth Air Force. In aerial over Wewak, New Guinea, on 18 August 1943. While his pilot was leading his squadron in a dive to attack the heavily defended Dagua Airdrome, intercepting enemy aircraft centered their fire on his plane, causing it to burst into flames while still two miles from the objective. His speed would have enabled him to gain necessary altitude to parachute to safety, but this action would have resulted in his formation becoming disorganized and exposed to the enemy. Although a crash was inevitable, he courageously remain with the pilot and assisted him in keeping the damaged plane flying and on target. From a minimum altitude, the squadron made a devastating bombing and strafing attack on the target. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Flight Officer Yancey, 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.