Navy Federal Credit Union

William Tunner graduated from West Point with the Class of 1928. During WWII he supervised the airlift of supplies and people to China in the legendary “Hump” airlift, so named because the airplanes had to clear the 16,000 foot high Himalayan Mountains. Tunner and his crews delivered 71,000 tons of material, exceeding all expectations. In the book “OVER THE HUMP,” published in 1964, he told of his experiences in this operation. Considered the most outstanding authority on airlift operations of the United States Air Force, he repeated his WWII feat during the Berlin Airlift, and again in Korea, earning the Distinguished Service Cross for his efforts. He retired in 1960 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Regiment:

    Combat Cargo Command (Provisional)

    Division:

    Far East Air Forces

    Action Date:

    October 20, 1950

    General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 47 (October 22, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Air Force) to Major General William Henry Tunner (AFSN: 0-17195), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding General, Combat Cargo Command (Provisional), Far East Air Forces, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea on 20 October 1950. General Tunner masterfully executed the loading, transporting, and dropping of troops of the 187th Regimental Combat Team of the 11th Airborne Division in its daring behind-the-lines operation in the Sukchon-Songchon area north of Pyongyang, Korea, designed to trap the enemy and seal off his escape routes. General Tunner personally led the flight of transports over the drop zones approximately thirty-five miles behind enemy front lines in an area known to contain enemy ground forces and anti-aircraft batteries. After the discharge of airborne troops together with their supporting materiel, General Tunner again led his transports over the area to drop necessary supplies to the units until they could joint forces with United Nations’ elements driving relentlessly north. General Tunner, through his extraordinary operational skill and his bold execution of daring plans, accomplished with notable precision and success an airborne feat that included an unprecedented drop of heavy equipment in combat, and transported a friendly fighting force deep behind enemy lines. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Major General Turner on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 83 (October 10, 1949)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force) to Major General William Henry Tunner (AFSN: 0-17195/374A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Tunner and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    World War II

    War Department, General Orders No. 67 (August 10, 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 Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General William Henry Tunner (AFSN: 0-17195), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States during World War II. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Tunner and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 29 (June 21, 1960)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) to Lieutenant General William Henry Tunner (AFSN: 0-17195/374A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Tunner culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    September 1944 – November 1945

    War Department, General Orders No. 27 (1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General William Henry Tunner (AFSN: 0-17195), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States during the period from September 1944 through November 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Tunner and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.