Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Joe
Lennard
Mason
April 10, 1915

–

June 18, 1974

Cemetery:

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

During World War II, Joe Mason became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, serving with the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing in the Korean War. he retired from the Air Force in 1967 as a Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    352d Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 8, 1944
    Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 38 (June 26, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) Joe Lennard Mason (ASN: 0-371856), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in action with the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 352d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, on 8 May 1944. On this date, Colonel Mason with his wingman, without regard to the great odds against them, engaged and dispersed thirty-five or more enemy planes attacking a friendly bomber formation. During this encounter, Colonel Mason and one of his wingmen became separated from their Group. At this time fifteen more enemy planes appeared, and Colonel Mason unhesitatingly attacked, and although only one gun was operating, he destroyed an enemy plane with the last of his ammunition. Proceeding homeward, Colonel Mason observed a large number of enemy fighters threatening a bomber formation. Although completely out of ammunition, he attacked head-on, and broke up the threat. The heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Mason upon this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    352d Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Joe Lennard Mason (ASN: 0-371856), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 352d Fighter Group, EIGHTH 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    352d Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Joe Lennard Mason (ASN: 0-371856), 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-51 Fighter Pilot of the 352d Fighter Group, EIGHTH 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    352d Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, VIII Fighter Command, General Orders No. 5 (January 28, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) Joe Lennard Mason (ASN: 0-371856), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 352d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. Colonel Mason has accomplished fifty fighter combat missions, or the equivalent thereof, over enemy occupied Continental Europe. The skillful and zealous manner in which Colonel Mason has sought out the enemy and engaged him in aerial combat, 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    February 5 – May 25, 1952
    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 283 (June 11, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Joe Lennard Mason (ASN: 0-371856), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the Far East Air Forces in Korea, from 5 February 1952 to 25 May 1952. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Mason and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    352d Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 124 (March 4, 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 Colonel (Air Corps) Joe Lennard Mason (ASN: 0-371856), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in the 352d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Mason, 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.