Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Farrell
November 29, 1921

–

December 12, 2002

William Farrell became a World War II Marine Corps ACE, credited with shooting down FIVE enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He retired in 1974 as a U.S. Marine Corps Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 312 (VMF-312)

    Regiment:

    Marine Air Group 33 (MAG-33)

    Division:

    4th Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 – 1955 (Jane Blakeney)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant William Farrell (MCSN: 0-28158), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-312), Marine Air Group THIRTY-THREE (MAG-33), FOURTH Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 312 (VMF-312)

    Regiment:

    Marine Air Group 33 (MAG-33)

    Division:

    4th Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    May 25, 1945
    SPOT AWARD, Commander, Air Forces Pacific: Serial 2110

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant William Farrell (MCSN: 0-28158), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Section Leader and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-312), Marine Air Group THIRTY-THREE (MAG-33), FOURTH Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Ryukyu Islands Area, on 25 May 1945. Participating in a bold attack on a numerically superior force of enemy fighter and bomber aircraft, First Lieutenant Farrell fought his plane gallantly and, pressing home his attacks, shod down four of the hostile planes, probably destroyed a fifth and assisted in the destruction of another in a single engagement. By his superb airmanship and indomitable fighting spirit, he aided materially in preventing the hostile aerial group from inflicting serious damage on friendly shipping installations. His courageous devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.